Broody Hen

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I don't break mine. I think it's just stressful.

 

[aart]

Thanks everyone, she has been moved into the cage. She didn't like it very much to begin with so hopefully it will work.

No, they don't like it much, but they will adjust. I actually think the agitation helps break the broody behavior. I let mine out daily very near roost time (30-60 minutes), if they go to roost you're done, if they go back to nest put them back in crate immediately. Repeat until they go to roost. Hang in there, you can do it!!

I don't break mine. I think it's just stressful.

It can be, especially for an anthropomorphic keeper.....but it's not as stressful as the problems that come with managing a broody hen and/or too many birds in coop and/or having to get rid of multiple males.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I don't break mine. I think it's just stressful.

Did you have it off the ground/suspended? How long did you keep her in?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

No, they don't like it much, but they will adjust. I actually think the agitation helps break the broody behavior. I let mine out daily very near roost time (30-60 minutes), if they go to roost you're done, if they go back to nest put them back in crate immediately. Repeat until they go to roost. Hang in there, you can do it!!

It can be, especially for an anthropomorphic keeper.....but it's not as stressful as the problems that come with managing a broody hen and/or too many birds in coop and/or having to get rid of multiple males.

Oh, I don't let her hatch! I'd have a million chickens! I u destined if you had several go at one time, that might be a problem, but I just leave her, and put her down to eat, when I feed.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Did you have it off the ground/suspended? How long did you keep her in?

We're you trying to quote the OP?
I just leave mine in the nest, and put them down to eat. But I don't let them hatch, still gather the eggs.

 

[aart]

but I just leave her, and put her down to eat, when I feed.

Leaving them to brood but not hatch can be detrimental to their health.

 

[ChickenNewB17]

I say to try the wire cage, and then give up and let her hatch chicks or let her sit it out for a few more weeks then let her hatch. I had a broody Wyandotte hen who has was broody for 3 months and I couldn’t break her, and also she lost heaps of weight and was in a bad way, so I gave up and now she is looking after chicks!

I have a newly broody BLRW and I was wondering if I put some silkie eggs under here, would she hatch and adopt them? And if so, do I need to separate them from the rest of the flock to keep them safe, or will she take care of that part too?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Leaving them to brood but not hatch can be detrimental to their health.

Well, they eat and have water, and if I noticed them getting run down, I would break them.

 

[Sagey_7878]

I have a newly broody BLRW and I was wondering if I put some silkie eggs under here, would she hatch and adopt them? And if so, do I need to separate them from the rest of the flock to keep them safe, or will she take care of that part too?

Hello there! Good question! Sorry for replying so late! I’ve been quite busy! You are able to put ANY breed under your broody hen and she will adopt them (If you want silkies, put silkie eggs under her) How long has been broody for? Make sure she is committed first. When you get the fertile eggs. Make sure they’re no older than about 9 days old. I suggest, if she’s not really a dominate hen, separate her and she can have an area with her and her chicks. I seperate mine. It’s usually the best to separate as other hens can kill the chicks on purpose. Hope this helped! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me!

 

[WadeC]

The cage snapped her out of it and only required 2 nights. She has though stopped laying, I assume this is somewhat normal but how long should it last?
Wade