Broody Hen

[GLBRWyans]

Okay ,

It has been at least a week and my Rock Barred hen is still sitting on her nest day and night , except when she eats and gets water . What do I do to snap her back to reality ?
She hasn't laid since this started also . Any input would be thankfully accepted . She is sitting on nothing other than her butt . lol

 

[gryeyes]

Would it be out of line to suggest you give her some fertile eggs to hatch?

 

[GLBRWyans]

Quote:
Don't have any , I just have hens . That wouldn't be out of line though .

 

[GLBRWyans]

This may sound awkward , someone suggested putting a pepper corn in the egg slot , seems like that would be painful , plus I don't think messing around with that
area is necessary . Someone said she is in a "hormonal trance " , how does one get them out of that trance , do I need to cage her so that she can't sit on a nest ;
although when I removed her the first time she stayed squatted and someone said that was normal .

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Don't have any , I just have hens . That wouldn't be out of line though .

Well, some natural food stores have fertile eggs (sold for eating), and if there's a Trader Joe's market anywhere near you, that's one source. But not all of 'em do sell fertile eggs... it's kind of a California thing.

Any other chicken keepers near you, which might have a flock with a rooster, you might be able to secure some eggs there.

My favorite feed store has an employee to whom I've sold fertile eggs, and she has given my number to a few people who have also purchased eggs from me. So you might ask at your feed store.

I just think "breaking" a broody is cruel, although I understand some folks may need to do so.

 

[GLBRWyans]

Quote:
Don't have any , I just have hens . That wouldn't be out of line though .

Well, some natural food stores have fertile eggs (sold for eating), and if there's a Trader Joe's market anywhere near you, that's one source. But not all of 'em do sell fertile eggs... it's kind of a California thing.

Any other chicken keepers near you, which might have a flock with a rooster, you might be able to secure some eggs there.

My favorite feed store has an employee to whom I've sold fertile eggs, and she has given my number to a few people who have also purchased eggs from me. So you might ask at your feed store.

I just think "breaking" a broody is cruel, although I understand some folks may need to do so.

Yes , I agree , I don't want to do anything cruel , we have only had chickens for a year and a half , so this scenario is new to us . If I can't find any fertilized eggs , what would be the least
cruelest thing to do ? I have layers , would placing those eggs under her help out or would she sit waiting for something that will never happen ? Thank you for responding also . I raise Racing Homer pigeons , maybe when I get a pair to lay another clutch I can put those under her , but I would have to hand raise them , which isn't a problem because I have hand raised several squabs for different reasons .

 

[shelleen]

Post on Craigslist for fertile eggs. There is probably somebody who'd have some eggs for you...

 

[GLBRWyans]

Quote:
I will list in Louisiana Farmers Market Bulletin , thank you , it seems as though this is the best way to help her and to get her out of her broody
fixation . Thank you for responding .

 

[drumstick diva]

you wouldn't need alot of eggs, if just a couple hatched that would make her happy.

 

[Johnn]

i dont see why every one hates there hens been broody and snaps them out of it i love myne being broody one year 4 out of my 8 hens went broody and i loved it!