Broody hen

[palletden]

We ordered some chicks several weeks ago and just let them outside for the first time the day before last. Since then one of our hens has gone broody. We don't have any roosters so I'm pretty sure the egg she's on is a dud.

Should I interfere and try to break her from this or let it run its course?

 

[cmom]

You could get some fertile eggs from someone maybe and put under her.

 

[palletden]

That's a good idea. I can check with our neighbor down the road and see if he has any. Thanks so much for the info!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I think it is cruel to just let them sit with no hope of hatching. It is hard on them, they don't eat or drink as much as normal, and they are more susceptable to parasites. Either you get them fertile eggs or you break her from being broody. Personally I like giving them fertile eggs.

I'll give you two links. Look at my post in the first one if you get the fertile eggs. It may help you some. Pay attention to the part about marking the eggs you want her to hatch and checking under her regularly if she is where the other hens can get to her nest.

The second link is if you decide to break her from being broody. Good luck!!

Isolate a Broody? Thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=213218

Break a Broody Thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2176186#p2176186

 

[palletden]

Great information! I'm going to check with our neighbor because I agree it would be best to give her fertile eggs. Thanks!

 

[palletden]

Just got 3 eggs from the neighbor and put under her. She seems to have taken to them fine. Will keep you posted.