Broody hen

[JFW]

I have a Wyyandotte that went broody about 3 weeks ago, there is no roo in the flock and she has no eggs under her. She is in good health and appears to be eating and drinking. She has lost color in her comb. How long will she stay broody???

 

[chuckzoo]

Until you give her some eggs to hatch

 

[Attack Chicken]

I have one thats been broody for over 3 months... Been trying to break he but nothing I have tried did it. Either get that girl some eggs to hatch or try putting he up off the ground in a wire cage, to cold to be dunking in a bucket of water right now.

AC

 

[JFW]

Dunking in water??? I've not heard that one. I live S/W of Indy and like you said... too cold for that right now. I have no eggs and don't plan to give her any. If I can't break her I guess I'll get out the pot.

 

[Attack Chicken]

The only luck I've had with breaking one of my bantam wyandotte girls is dunking in cold water but that was in the summer. Try putting her up off the ground in a wire cage so that air can get to her breast to cool he down.

IMO just because she's broody I wouldn't eat her....If nothing else let her go til it warms up then dunk her.

AC

 

[JFW]

Attack Chicken, I think I'll take your advice and give her a dunking after it warms up. Do you think it would be safe to dunk her in April on a day above 50 degrees???

 

[storminstaffs]

Quote:
i doubt she'll still be broody then

 

[Pagan Prince]

Firstly, let me say I do NOT condone this method. However, I have heard it works in bad situations where a hen is too broody.

You basicly put the hen in a small dark box with no food but plenty of water for a few days. Opening it up only for water and a quick adding of wood shavings. I personaly find this a bit harsh, but it's an option if she is not eating anyway. She seems to need a shock or re conditioning.... jmho

 

[JFW]

The hen is eating and drinking; overall she's in good health just broody (she has lost most of the color in her comb). I'm not sure about the dark box... how would she see to get water in the dark? I think I'll try the water dunking in April if she's still broody then. Thanks to everybody for the replys.

 

[Attack Chicken]

If you have a wire cage with a wire bottom use something to prop it up off the floor in the coop or whatever. The cold air will get up under her so she can't warm er breast area. This worked once with one of my gals.

I've had broodies go for months in the summer. The only way that broke them was dunking them up to their necks in somewhat cold water. If I left them alone they probably would of broodyed themself to death.

The only reason I'm letting my 3 wyandottes brood right now is I'm getting some serama eggs from a friend for them to hatch within the next week or so. If not I'd probably try the wire cage again.

Just my 2 cents
AC