broody hen with no eggs

[kmcconnell]

My favorite hen, a ten-month-old Black Australorp, has been broody for six weeks now. This is my first experience with a brood that long... and I don't know if I should be worried.

I live in the city, and can't have any more chickens than I already do, so giving her fertilized eggs (or day-old chicks) is out.

For the last month, I've been removing her from the nest several times each day, as well as any eggs she's co-opted. In the past, this has been enough to break the brood. Not this time, it seems.

Should I be worried? I don't really want to deal with caging her separately unless I really have to. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Kristen in Austin, TX

 

[justusnak]

Persistance on your part is vital. Can you lock her out of the coop!? Maybe in the yard...make sure she has plenty water and feed. I dont know tho, she just might drive herself crazy. Hope she snaps out of it soon!!