Broody hen question

[8 Chicks 1967]

I have two broody hens that sat on 14 eggs for 25 days and I finally called it off. Non of the eggs were good. I tried to break them by putting frozen water bottles under them and that didn't work. I also later took the boxes out completely still didn't work. I sat them out and locked the coop door all day Saturday. Went they went back at night they still did not roost and layed down on the floor.

So, now I give up I've put new eggs under them. I'm worried they been sitting a while and I can tell they are getting thinner. If they make this hatch they will be on day 60. I feed them Mill worms and grapes extra but they don't get up and eat when I feed in the evenings.

Am I worried for nothing?

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Yes.If their hungry and thirsty they will get up,you may have to force soem of them because some are so stubborn they won’t get off the eggs at all.Meybe try putting feed and water next to them.I know what your going through.I have a hen who will sit for months.Shes almost always broody.

 

[bobbi-j]

For future reference, you may want to use a broody buster cage for your hens. Use a wire cage - a dog crate would work - make sure the hen has a wire bottom and no bedding. Just put her in there with food and water, have the cage elevated a couple of feet off the floor so air can circulate under her and cook her down.

As for the broodies sitting for another round - I would not put food and water next to them. They would have no reason to get up and may poop on the nest, ruining the eggs. Also, the less they move, the faster they will lose condition.

You maybe don’t see them get up to eat because broody hens like to be secretive about getting off the nest to eat. She’s less likely to get up when you’re watching.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

For future reference, you may want to use a broody buster cage for your hens. Use a wire cage - a dog crate would work - make sure the hen has a wire bottom and no bedding. Just put her in there with food and water, have the cage elevated a couple of feet off the floor so air can circulate under her and cook her down.

As for the broodies sitting for another round - I would not put food and water next to them. They would have no reason to get up and may poop on the nest, ruining the eggs. Also, the less they move, the faster they will lose condition.

You maybe don’t see them get up to eat because broody hens like to be secretive about getting off the nest to eat. She’s less likely to get up when you’re watching.

TKS, that helps. I just didn't want them to get in poor condition. I have a wire dog crate so, ill use it if needed in the future.

 

[bobbi-j]

TKS, that helps. I just didn't want them to get in poor condition. I have a wire dog crate so, ill use it if needed in the future.

Then I would make sure they are able to get off the nest every day to eat, drink and dust bathe when they want to.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

Then I would make sure they are able to get off the nest every day to eat, drink and dust bathe when they want to.

I usually sit them out in the evenings they don't stay long but, it is what it is. They have to get up to eat and drink so, all is good. Like I said before I am guilty of feeding them a few grapes and some mill worms in the morning by hand.