Broody Hen or Something Else?

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Hi, I think I might officially have my first broody hen--hopefully (otherwise I'm worried she's sick). A few days ago we noticed her chest/belly was bare and saw many of her feathers in the nesting box. She'd still been eating, drinking, and pooping normally; behavior was the same but a bit brattier than usual. Well, this morning I watched her enter the nesting box and she hasn't left all day. I've checked on her and she looks good--red comb/wattles and alert. But unwilling to budge.

So, chicken experts, what are your thoughts? Is she broody? Is there anything I can do to snap her out of it? Should I feed her in the nesting box? I'm worried about her missing nutrients...

 

[rosemarythyme]

Broody jail: Put her in an isolation cage with some food and water, in sight of the others (in the coop if it's not too hot or in/near the run is ideal). A wire cage elevated to air flow under her would be the best option, however I've used everything from a brooder to a dog exercise pen.

Keep her in the cage around the clock for about 2 days. At that time, if she's shows fewer signs of broodiness (puffing up, flattening down and growling, tik tik tik noise) you can let her out to test her. If she runs back to the nest at any point (usually they don't do it immediately, but maybe after 15 minutes, maybe an hour) then she's not yet sufficiently broken and needs to go back to the cage for another 24 hours. Then let her out and test her again. Repeat until she's no longer going to the nest box.

IF the isolation cage is not safe for overnight stay (i.e. sits outside the run) then put her on the roost at night, and retrieve her from the nest box the next morning and put her back in the cage. It may take a little longer this way but better than letting a predator get to her.

 

[MarkJr]

But momma hens are so worth it.

Watched my momma hen chase off a 4 month old bull calf..... and literally flog the bulls very defensive momma.

It was hilarious!!!! Momma hen proceeded with her ticking time bomb like she owned the place. The cows agreed completely.

 

[Whigru]

We had one that toyed with going broody for a few days and I thought we’d break her but she ended up going the full monty. I would do what @rosemarythyme suggested just to get ahead of it. It took several weeks for our hen to get over it and some pretty intense behavior adjustments to boot.

 

[MarkJr]

Depends on your wants. Looking to expand your flock? Let her set for ten days to make sure she’s serious, then slap a few day olds under her and let her get her momma chick on.

Fertile eggs of same age under her to set until hatch for same result.

If you want her back to normal search broody jail. Wire cage with a roost food and water. 2-3 days locked in and she shouldn’t want to set anymore.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Depends on your wants. Looking to expand your flock? Let her set for ten days to make sure she’s serious, then slap a few day olds under her and let her get her momma chick on.

Fertile eggs of same age under her to set until hatch for same result.

If you want her back to normal search broody jail. Wire cage with a roost food and water. 2-3 days locked in and she shouldn’t want to set anymore.

We don't have space for another batch of chickens as tempting and cute as that sounds. So broody jail it is.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do hens ever toy with being broody but it doesn't take?

Yes. And I usually "break" those that are undecided as well, just to make sure they don't decide to go ahead and commit. But it's always great when they decide that nah, they don't need to sit after all.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Yes. And I usually "break" those that are undecided as well, just to make sure they don't decide to go ahead and commit. But it's always great when they decide that nah, they don't need to sit after all.

Good to know for the future. Bad time to be broody--hot and humid here and I'm sure the nesting boxes aren't much better!

 

[Ruthster55]

Yes. And I usually "break" those that are undecided as well, just to make sure they don't decide to go ahead and commit. But it's always great when they decide that nah, they don't need to sit after all.

Some breeds are equivocal while others make a serious commitment to increase the number of straight-run chicks on your property. They certainly evaluate the security features of the run before setting!! They love a safe place and seeing other broody hens!

No matter whether you have No Incubator or the Worst Incubator or a huge well-practiced GQF.... once you have missed collecting eggs a few times, if that hen has a Spidey Sense that her run is safe, then it’s “Game On!”

 

[Ruthster55]

P.S. Don’t do anything special. She will go off the nesting box, probably to eat, drink water, and maybe leave a yucky broody poop. A determined broody may hide her food and water needs and sneak out for a bite when you’re not there.

The best thing is to just leave her alone with the eggs you know she has. During the first day or two, yes, make sure she is on eggs. Easiest at night.

Note the date you first saw her and count forward to 21 days but let her go as far as 25 or 26 days with longer hatch times in cooler weather or at altitude.

Those experienced can candle at night at the appropriate times, but try not to mess her up if she’s in lockdown....