Broody Hens!!!

[OkieB]

I have 2 broody hens that are disrupting the rest of my flock. I have 4 small hen houses (bought at tractor supply). So I have 2 houses occupied by the 2 broody girls. It has thrown my others for a loop as those are generally the 2 houses that most of them prefer to lay in. Now it seems I'm not getting as many eggs and I'm unsure what to do next. I know you guys have some suggestions! Thanks in advance!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Make a bigger coop? Set up a separate broody breaking area? Broodies are disruptive. It's best to break them ASAP. Most who became broody do it repeatedly throughout the season. Having a convenient and easy means to deal with them is always a good thing.

 

[OkieB]

Coop is way big enough to accomadate all.

I can do the broody breaking area though. What would that consist of exactly? Meaning how do you break them? I have a small little rabbit hutch with a run I can stick the 2 broody butts in. Lol.

 

[rosemarythyme]

To break them you lock them up in an elevated wire cage or a small pen with food and water, and keep them in there until they no longer show broody behavior. It can take 2 to 5 days depending on how broody the chicken is.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

To break them you lock them up in an elevated wire cage or a small pen with food and water, and keep them in there until they no longer show broody behavior. It can take 2 to 5 days depending on how broody the chicken is.

This.

 

[OkieB]

I can do that. Is it okay to out them together? And do I give them a roosting bar or does that even matter?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I can do that. Is it okay to out them together? And do I give them a roosting bar or does that even matter?

Some I can put together, some will start pecking each other, so watch and remove one if you see aggression. I provide roosts as I don't want them sitting down and heating up which continues to fuel those hormones. My box has been constantly occupied since March by one hen or another.

 

[OkieB]

Wow. I am only about a year and a half into chicken farming. So this is the second time I've dealt with broody hens. The first one only brooded for 1 week and quit. But these two don't seem to show any signs of stopping.

I will move them first thing in the morning. Thanks for the advice. I might light yall back up if I have any more questions!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Wow. I am only about a year and a half into chicken farming. So this is the second time I've dealt with broody hens. The first one only brooded for 1 week and quit. But these two don't seem to show any signs of stopping.

I will move them first thing in the morning. Thanks for the advice. I might light yall back up if I have any more questions!

I keep lots of chickens, currently 99, so someone is always broody during spring and summer here. Certain breeds have had it bred out of them mostly, but most of those breeds I don't care for. Good luck with the breaking. Once you get it figured out it goes easy.

 

[OkieB]

Blanche & Lucy aren't my biggest fans this morning.