Broody hen refusing to eat or drink.

[Silkiesaz]

I have a broody first-time mama. She won't get off her eggs and is starting to become weak. I tried to physically remove her and feed her, but she isn't interested. Her comb and wattles are becoming pale. Should I do something or just wait it out?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is she setting on eggs? If not than I would break her by putting her in a wire bottom crate slightly elevated off the ground to cool her off which helps to break them. Sometimes just moving them away from their chosen setting spot is enough.

Setting can severely deplete hens so it's best to use them or break them.

 

[Banana01]

I have a broody first-time mama. She won't get off her eggs and is starting to become weak. I tried to physically remove her and feed her, but she isn't interested. Her comb and wattles are becoming pale. Should I do something or just wait it out?

On the other hand, sometimes they sit for days without leaving eggs. You can put a feeder and waterer in front her to entice her to eat. They get hungry sitting there, but cant resist eating sometimes if its in front of her.

I am not familiar with breaking or why it would be beneficial, but I have never had a hen sit on eggs and die from hunger. But also when I pick up a broody hen that hasnt left, sometimes its when I want to check on the eggs, she will generally fly off and do her eating and bathing routine and return if i throw her off.

 

[Silkiesaz]

She is sitting on 9 eggs. She has been for 1 1/2 - 2 weeks. I don't know how developed the babies are. I am hoping that in a few days she will start eating again. She is still lively and alert she just looks weak.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She is sitting on 9 eggs. She has been for 1 1/2 - 2 weeks. I don't know how developed the babies are. I am hoping that in a few days she will start eating again. She is still lively and alert she just looks weak.

Hens will generally get off the nest once a day to eat and drink, and poop. It often happens in the early morning and is missed. She only has a week or so to go. You can remove her and candle the eggs to see how it's going if you wish.

 

[Silkiesaz]

Okay thank you all for the help!! I feel much better about it now.

 

[Ebony Rose]

Feed her cooled scrambled eggs, hard boiled egg yolks, sardines or other canned fish and SMALL bits of bread soaked in water. Grab her waddles firmly, yet gently, force her beak open and poke the morsel down her throat. Four or five bites (plus that one bread soaked in water) should be enough for your peace of mind and her well-being.

 

[Silkiesaz]

Just went and candled her eggs 2 confirmed babies out of 3 eggs candled!! Now I get to plan names any suggestions?