Broody Hen

[Marintzer]

Our Barred Rock went broody this week. Her laying has slowed way down and tonight I found her sitting on a RIR Egg. I think we have to segregate her, right? Suggestions on the best way to do that? How long?

 

[iwiw60]

Do you want her to remain broody or do you want to break her of it?

 

[LRH97]

I usually move my broodies at night. I don't have much experience breaking broody hens, so I let mine set on eggs and raise the chicks each time I have one. I would suggest just letting her hatch out fertile eggs to make it easier on you and the hen. It really is the easiest way to raise babies. Incubation takes about 21 days, and I usually separate momma and babies at six weeks, if she hasn't done so already. Best of luck!

 

[iwiw60]

Great advice...that's what I'd do, too...let the broody do all the work...!!

 

[Marintzer]

We'd like to break her of it....all we have are laying hens, so alas, no fertile eggs!

 

[iwiw60]

We'd like to break her of it....all we have are laying hens, so alas, no fertile eggs!

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search?q=broody+breaker

Let us know how it goes!!

 

[Marintzer]

Okay, that's an awesome link! Thank you, thank you! We put her in a separate, wire cage late yesterday. She's pretty grumpy about it but at least she's up and walking around. I think tomorrow evening we'll let her back out and see if she's over it.

 

[iwiw60]

Okay, that's an awesome link! Thank you, thank you! We put her in a separate, wire cage late yesterday. She's pretty grumpy about it but at least she's up and walking around. I think tomorrow evening we'll let her back out and see if she's over it.

If she's not...back to the broody breaker she goes!!

 

[Marintzer]

No dice. Back in the box she goes. :-(

 

[Marintzer]

Success!!! We let her out Thursday evening and she has been back to her old, bossy self ever since!