Broody Hen :-)

[clifford258]

Hey folks I believe I have a white rock that is broody.... She hasn't left the nest much in 2 day! When it gets dark and the rest of my chickens are roosting will my broody still be in nest? If she is broody do I need to set food and water beside her?? Any information will be very appreciated thanks guys!

 

[Whittni]

If she's a for-sure broody she'll stay on the nest at night. Congrats! You can put food and water near her but make sure she has to get up to get it. Some broody's refuse to ever leave the nest so make sure she gets off the nest everyday to eat and drink. In 20 or so days you might have some chicks! Good luck!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

I have a broody too! Her name is Dakota. Good Luck!

 

[auburn]

Our broodies have always stayed in their nests at night and don't roost with the other chickens. Most hens will leave the nest to eat, drink and poo by themselves, though sometimes a little encouragement is needed (by which I mean picking them up and setting them out in the run). Once done they'll head back to the nest.

You'll eventually need to isolate her, but how soon can depend on your flock. my girls always want to use the same nest as a broody and try to chase her off of it! So we usually have to separate pretty early on.

 

[clifford258]

The hen I have is top of pecking order she runs around pecking everyone insight she is really a hatefull hen haha think I still need to separate??

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have a grouchy hen "Baby Gaga" (americana bantam-silky she looks like a polish but with feather feet.) she is always grouchy, but now her chicks are older and she has been hanging around the lay pens not because she has to lay an egg but she wants to boss the other hens around and not let them lay. I put her in a separate pen and will let her out when the laying is done.

 

[clifford258]

Well its 10:20Pm Here and She is still on the nest!!! I take it she is broody lol

 

[clifford258]

Well I'm out feeding the animals and she has been off the nest for about 15 mins! There is another hen on the nest layimg? What's going on I'm so confused!!!!!

 

[auburn]

If she really is as bossy as you say, I don't think you should have too many problems. You'll still probably want to move her leading up to hatching but she sounds like she'll be a tough, protective mama!

That is, of course, if she's still trying! Has she gotten back on the nest? It wouldn't be that unusual if she quit already, some hens do early on. She probably got off the nest to do her business and another hen sat there while she was gone. A determined broody would likely just sit on top of the nest-stealing hen, or sit in a nearby box instead.

 

[gimmie birdies]

it is best to mark the eggs you plan on letting them keep and take away the others. It may be cute to see a hen sitting on 40 eggs, but it is not cute when they don't all hatch.