broody hen?

[waynem1983]

Pretty sure I already know the answer, but..

My usually very active and inquisitive hen has sat for a good few hours now. I tempted her out with some cracked corn, but went straight back to the nest after.

If I go near her she gives a very low deep grumbling growl.

broody?

 

[chickencrazy999]

I would say yes if she sleeps in the nest box over night then I would say most likely that she is broody
Ella

 

[waynem1983]

For sure broody, just popped 6 splash and blue orpington eggs uunder her, see how it goes in three weeks!

 

[MyPetNugget]

Hope it goes well!
However, Maybe next time you should wait a week just to make sure she's going to be serious. I think you should be fine for now though.

I had a broody a few weeks ago- just make sure that you give her lots of water and food because even in hot weather she won't get up to drink very often. Good luck and hope you get some chicks soon!

 

[waynem1983]

Hope it goes well!
However, Maybe next time you should wait a week just to make sure she's going to be serious. I think you should be fine for now though.

I had a broody a few weeks ago- just make sure that you give her lots of water and food because even in hot weather she won't get up to drink very often. Good luck and hope you get some chicks soon!

Thanks, i gave her 48 hours and she seems pretty committed. At the very worst it has only cost me 5 quid from a local hobby breeder.

i have moved the food and water closer and she will still take food from hand if offered to her in the nest.

i should have the new coop finished within the next couple of dasys, so i will wire off the door in this little hut and move feeder and water inside for her. Luckily, even at the peek of summer here in blighty it shouldnt get too warm and she is in a nice shaded spot.

 

[MyPetNugget]

Thanks, i gave her 48 hours and she seems pretty committed. At the very worst it has only cost me 5 quid from a local hobby breeder.

i have moved the food and water closer and she will still take food from hand if offered to her in the nest.

i should have the new coop finished within the next couple of dasys, so i will wire off the door in this little hut and move feeder and water inside for her. Luckily, even at the peek of summer here in blighty it shouldnt get too warm and she is in a nice shaded spot.

Sounds good!

 

[waynem1983]

So, I had plans for this to go smoothly and have nò problems, however my Bluebell hybrid pullet has other ideas.


last night she slept in the nest box with the broody, just gone to lock them up and she is in there again. Im assuming she is just picking the nice warm spot, but I dont want her in the nest, she is pooping in it and is likley to break those new fertile eggs. Annoying as she has always gone to roost on the bars as she should.


Maybe I should fasion some sort of cage to put over the nest just before they go to roost?

 

[MyPetNugget]

So, I had plans for this to go smoothly and have nò problems, however my Bluebell hybrid pullet has other ideas.


last night she slept in the nest box with the broody, just gone to lock them up and she is in there again. Im assuming she is just picking the nice warm spot, but I dont want her in the nest, she is pooping in it and is likley to break those new fertile eggs. Annoying as she has always gone to roost on the bars as she should.


Maybe I should fasion some sort of cage to put over the nest just before they go to roost?

hmm

With my broody I have to cage her off as well because other chickens would lay their eggs in there with her. Also, one of the chickens pecked her comb BAD because she wouldn't get out while she layed. So yes, I think you should cage her off.

 

[AmericanMom]

Agreed, I would cage her off, give the poor girl some peace for the hard work ahead .. Silly hens, everyone wants to get in on the fun after the fact...

 

[waynem1983]

Sorted, one caged hen