Broody Hens

[chickensorbust]

I have two Buff Orpington hens who have been broody for about a month. Is it ok to just leave them alone in the coop until they aren't broody any longer? I collect eggs from underneath them every day. I don't want baby chicks. They aren't suffering and seem happy. Please advise. Thank you.

 

[andreanar]

Personally, I don't like to do that. My experience with that left my hen weak, losing weight and picked on by the flock. I would break her.

 

[IZZYBELLA]

You don't want to let them brood unnecessarily. They reduce their food intake during that time and going on indefinitely will drain their health. (Mine always look pale after brooding.) I break a broody by constantly removing her from the nest, preventing access to the nest boxes, and placing her on the roost at night. Good luck - they can be persistent!