Broody Hen Thread!

[deerlady11]

DeerLady did you move her after dark?? I moved 33 this season----everyone after dark, nest and all. I did not have a one to act up.

Yes I did. Only problem is that I couldn't move her nesting box because it is a shelf on the wall that I have edged with 2x4's and then three dividers to make nesting "boxes". So I had to set up a nesting box for her which she didn't want. I rigged up somewhat of a cage out of chicken wire over a box on the top shelf that she was sitting on when I came home today. She walked around and pecked at it a bit but eventually settled back on the nest. I hope this works. You would think out of 14 hens I would at least get one more that likes to sit. They are still young though. Does broodiness come with age?

 

[PD-Riverman]

. Only problem is that I couldn't move her nesting box because it is a shelf on the wall that I have edged with 2x4's and then three dividers to make nesting "boxes". Does broodiness come with age?

I have a few nest that are not movable too---if the hen decides to set in one of these nest----When I decide to "set" her I make a box up with bedding and the eggs, I pick her up and place this box/eggs in the same spot she is in----and return her-----all the hens I do this with seem to be happy about the eggs and settle right in----I give her a couple days and then I move her and the nest while she is sitting in the nest after dark. It has always worked for me.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

@deerlady11I did like you and simply block off an area with chicken wire if my broody is being bothered. I've only had to do it once because my other broodies have always nested on the floor and no one bothered them. Only the one who chose the nest box was messed with. But everyone's setup and flock is different.

 

[mymilliefleur]

I move all of mine to a cage and then give them their eggs. I have had one or two hens that will NOT be move from the spot they have chosen to be broody, but most hens move very well, even though I have to carry them over a 1000 feet from were their pen is to the cages I use.
I have let my broodys sit in the coops before, but I have always had trouble with the eggs rolling out, or breaking, or other chickens getting in the way. If you keep your hens in cages, you have to make shore they have a place to dust though. (I keep a small bowl filled with dirt handy for that reason)

 

[SIMZ]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering how old you're oldest broody was/is? I'm wondering if they'll keep going broody their entire life or eventually stop wanting to raise chicks. I have a 3-year-old hen that always raised chicks, but last year wouldn't see the eggs through to hatch. Interestingly, she always walks around clucking and sits around in nests long enough to break eggs.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering how old you're oldest broody was/is? I'm wondering if they'll keep going broody their entire life or eventually stop wanting to raise chicks. I have a 3-year-old hen that always raised chicks, but last year wouldn't see the eggs through to hatch. Interestingly, she always walks around clucking and sits around in nests long enough to break eggs.

My oldest was 4.5 years old and still going strong until a hawk got her. I purchased a proven broody of 4.5 years to replace her. They will brood well into geriatric years until they simply get too senile, so I should have another several years at least, if I keep her in good health and ward off the hawks.
Lady of McCamley

 

[turtlelady627]

I have read through a lot of msgs here but haven't found my answer yet. I have an 8 month old Wyandotte/ameracauna mix hen that has been laying close to 2 months. My other hens are just starting to lay last 9 days. The last 2-3 days I have not seen her out of her nest box. It seems she will lay in another box then hop back into hers as I have not pulled any from under her in 2 days. I am familiar with her egg and I am still getting hers, just not under her. I have 21 birds of which I have 4 roosters. I have 5 nest boxes. She's crabby patty when u get near and squawks terribly when u reach under. I have not seen her eat or about in 3 days. She seems to be gettin thinner. HELP. PLEASE

SE MO

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have read through a lot of msgs here but haven't found my answer yet. I have an 8 month old Wyandotte/ameracauna mix hen that has been laying close to 2 months. My other hens are just starting to lay last 9 days. The last 2-3 days I have not seen her out of her nest box. It seems she will lay in another box then hop back into hers as I have not pulled any from under her in 2 days. I am familiar with her egg and I am still getting hers, just not under her. I have 21 birds of which I have 4 roosters. I have 5 nest boxes. She's crabby patty when u get near and squawks terribly when u reach under. I have not seen her eat or about in 3 days. She seems to be gettin thinner. HELP. PLEASE

SE MO

Sounds as though she is Broody-----and Broody hens usually stops laying when they start setting----are you SURE you are getting her eggs from another nest or is one of the new laying hens laying eggs like hers? Want some Chicks? If so and you got some fertile eggs to put under her------mark some and put them under her-----chicks in 3 weeks!!

 

[mymilliefleur]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering how old you're oldest broody was/is? I'm wondering if they'll keep going broody their entire life or eventually stop wanting to raise chicks. I have a 3-year-old hen that always raised chicks, but last year wouldn't see the eggs through to hatch. Interestingly, she always walks around clucking and sits around in nests long enough to break eggs.

I just lost my oldest mama hen last summer. She was 12+ years old. Hatched at least one batch every year. She died defending her chick.

 

[SIMZ]

I just lost my oldest mama hen last summer. She was 12+ years old. Hatched at least one batch every year. She died defending her chick

Wow. So sad, but what a great mom! You and Lady of McCamley have answered my question. Thank you both!