Broody hen questions. First time for all.

[byouland]

Just found this thread. So glad it worked out for you in the end.

I've seen those being sold somewhere. Its like an apron for hens to prevent injuries from roosters mating them, but the design is also to deter birds of prey.

I never knew that! That's awesome! I may have to look into getting some for my girls since we have three hawks that are persistent.

 

[Shellz]

Let me know if they really work, eh? I have hawks here too, but never lost one to one. Lots of hiding places around here I guess.

 

[darkbrahmamama]

They're called chicken aprons. Pretty cheap, I think $62.50 for 30 heavier ones with the eyes. I wish they had something to help protect the area on the wings that the roosters balance on .... but other than that they work pretty well. Plus there's room to write their names, & I don't feel bad throwing them out when they tear.

 

[darkbrahmamama]

I do have another question about broody hens. Has anyone noticed anything different about the eggs belonging to soon-to-be-broody hens? About a couple of weeks before Thelma went broody, her eggs had a small hole right where where the air cell was, so nothing leaked out. I've never had that happen to any of the eggs before. Thin shelled when they first started laying, broken ones in winter, & a couple broken due to them laying when they were on the roosting bar .... but never a hole in the eggs. I didn't know if it had something to do with her hormones & her going broody?

PS.: All 5 chicks are still doing well! Thelma is a great mom, even if she didn't lay or hatch the eggs. They're starting to get their feathers in ..... can't wait to see how many pullets vs. roos that I have ...... may have to keep one pullet instead of giving them ALL away!