Broody Hen Thread!

[el pollo rey]

she look a Lil small in the face for a orp the are good size girls but is definitely buff , if she has her mind set on the pot at this point i don't think you can change it just best to move the pot her and eggs to a safe spot if your concerned as far as the feathers they wont grow back per say she will molt they will fall out and she will grow new in time good luck with the hatch

 

[melina90]

Hello everyone.

I'm pretty new to owning chickens! Well, my hen just went broody (I hope). About a while ago, she also had gone broody but was discouraged and left her eggs. Now, after discovering her secret nest (and 22 eggs in said nest--I have two hens and they both laid here!), she decided to go broody again yesterday. I want to say she's a Buff Orpington, but correct me if I'm wrong.

I'd certainly appreciate tips since I am really new to all this haha. One problem that I have, though, is that she decided to nest in one of the pots that holds my lemon tree. I tried moving her to a more secure area, but she INSISTS on having her nest in the pot. I even moved her eggs and she went straight back to the empty pot. Go figure haha. The pot is fairly high--about 2-3 feet off the ground. This concerns me since she is only covered by a few surrounding plants, and weather in Houston varies throughout the day. For example, it's definitely going to rain soon. That's the main reason I wanted to move her.

Since she refuses, I have no idea how to help her. I can't cover her over my plants/trees because their branches are everywhere! She's only protected by some leaves and it makes me sad because I worry for her. She's my smallest hen and the previous owner (my aunt) had cut her wings to an extremely short length so she barely has any wings! It's been half a year and they haven't grown back. She manages fairly well, though. I just worry about her being outdoors in the environment. Help? Haha.

Being broody has certainly affected my hen since she was the sweetest thing in the world before this! It's so shocking to see her to aggressive and protective haha.

What a cutie! I'd move the whole pot with her and the eggs to a better spot if that's possible Good luck!

 

[melina90]

OK, I couldnt resist it, I had to go check if the eggs outside has pipped. Sadly, nothing. I'm getting worried, as they were due yesterday according to my calculations. And I've seen both chickens get off the eggs for the past couple of days - I thought the broody hen also simulated lockdown by sitting pretty consistent for the last couple of days before hatching?

Anyways, totally off topic, this guy said hi to you all while I was out lurking for babypeeps YES - that is snow in the background

 

[Jharper]

OK, I couldnt resist it, I had to go check if the eggs outside has pipped. Sadly, nothing. I'm getting worried, as they were due yesterday according to my calculations. And I've seen both chickens get off the eggs for the past couple of days - I thought the broody hen also simulated lockdown by sitting pretty consistent for the last couple of days before hatching? Anyways, totally off topic, this guy said hi to you all while I was out lurking for babypeeps YES - that is snow in the background

LOVE HER EXPRESSION!!!!

 

[billyb]

Hi everyone!
My clutch is going good! But of course I have a few questions, hahaha. My broody hen I am feeding her chick is that ok? I ask this because when she poops it smells up the whole basement where she is at. Also her poop is green, a little solid some days. But today it looked like water ballon blew up with green poop inside? Is this normal or okay? Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-billyb

 

[Jharper]

Hi everyone!
My clutch is going good! But of course I have a few questions, hahaha. My broody hen I am feeding her chick is that ok? I ask this because when she poops it smells up the whole basement where she is at. Also her poop is green, a little solid some days. But today it looked like water ballon blew up with green poop inside? Is this normal or okay? Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-billyb

It's ok but it could be better. Make sure she is getting plenty of solids and water.

 

[billyb]

Ok thanks! What other solids can I give her? There is always food and water available.

 

[Jharper]

Ok thanks! What other solids can I give her? There is always food and water available.

Try giving her some meat or vegetables. NO CITRUS though. It can be harmful.

 

[Jharper]

She's been building her clutch and she has 15 EGGS!!! She tore up my hand, too.

 

[billyb]

Try giving her some meat or vegetables. NO CITRUS though. It can be harmful.

Ok thanks for all your help! Sorry to ask so many questions, but I don't want to mess this up! Any kind of meat? And can my other chickens have citrus fruits like oranges? Because they love them! Thanks!

-Billyb