broody hen

[Sophie442]

I have a hen that I guess is broody. She wants tobsit all day and night in the laying boxes unless I get her out, which I do. I am concerned she is not eating and drinking enough. After I gather the eggs for the day, should I block off their roosting/laying area?

 

[sourland]

It sounds as if she is broody. Lock her in a pen/cage away from the nest boxes until she is no longer 'clucky'. It will take days not hours to break her.

 

[Sophie442]

Ok thank you! I'll do that today.

 

[Sophie442]

I separated her. The only cage i had has a wire bottom. I'm waiting for the hubby to come home to find a piece of wood or something that will be better for her to step on. Anyway, I have this cage up in the roosting area. Should I leave her in there all day and night until she stops clucking? She has food and water. She was not very happy when I put her in there! ANY input would be great!

 

[sourland]

Many people put broody hens in a wire bottomed cage and suspend it so the air flow helps cool her abdomen. Yes, leave her there day and night until she stops her broodiness. You might let her out after a couple of days, but if she goes back to her nest put her back in the cage.