Broody hen with no rooster

[farmermurphy]

Need help in what to do with a broody hen. We haven't had a rooster for over 4 months and one of my 8 month old hens has gone broody and will not get off eggs. She tries to peck at me when I reach for eggs. I am sure eggs aren't fertile and do not want to waste eggs that she protects. Have to push her off eggs to get them. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You need to remove her and put her in a wire bottom crate slightly elevated off the ground for 3-5 days to break her.

Feed and water her in there, and check her after 3 days to see if she returns to the nest, if she does back to the box for a few more days.

It's an hormonal phase that is fed by the hen staying warm, it doesn't require any eggs to happen.

The quicker you break her the quicker she will resume laying.

 

[farmermurphy]

Thanks for the advice, will do that soon, have a dog crate and water and food bottles.