Broody is like the FLU!

[Kfults]

I have a 3rd Briody HEN!!!!
I let one sit, 4 sweet babies one week old, I let another broody sit and she has 6 eggs tucked under her and now another one! OMG! I took her off the best and placed her on roost after dark and she jumped down and got back in an empty nest. Chicken math..... but this is insane! I only have 2 broody cages and didn’t mean to double my flock in one month..... it is January! I don’t want to know what spring will bring
I hate to cage her up to break her in a small dog kennel but...... I can’t do more chicks! LOL

 

[Chickassan]

You're doomed, i'm sorry.

 

[Trux]

make another broody cage

 

[hillbilly91]

Don't overwhelm yourself. You know what you can house and what you can't

 

[hillbilly91]

Also a all wire cage is best hanging so air can cool the brood hen

 

[Kfults]

My husband said no more babies! LOL
He is just afraid I will make him expand their chicken yard LOL
The temps are gonna drop to 30 in the next few days.... hope that makes her easier to break

 

[JedJackson]

I personally think broodiness is catching. One goes broody, then they all do, if they're certain breeds. Best to follow hillbilly91's advice and put her in a cage with a wire floor for a bit. The cold air against their undersides usually cures them of broodiness.

 

[justin24]

Well aleast you got some Broodies I went this whole year with 7 hens and no broody I’m shocked but kind of glad

 

[WindingRoad]

I have a 3rd Briody HEN!!!!
I let one sit, 4 sweet babies one week old, I let another broody sit and she has 6 eggs tucked under her and now another one! OMG! I took her off the best and placed her on roost after dark and she jumped down and got back in an empty nest. Chicken math..... but this is insane! I only have 2 broody cages and didn’t mean to double my flock in one month..... it is January! I don’t want to know what spring will bring
I hate to cage her up to break her in a small dog kennel but...... I can’t do more chicks! LOL

Maybe get rid of your rooster for awhile. Hens can sit all they want but no babies. Isn't your roo the underlying ( pun intended) problem here. Not your broodies. You can gather eggs each day as usual that way.

 

[Kale Chips]

Maybe get rid of your rooster for awhile. Hens can sit all they want but no babies. Isn't your roo the underlying ( pun intended) problem here. Not your broodies. You can gather eggs each day as usual that way.

The problem with letting them sit with no real eggs is that it can really take a toll on their bodies. With having such high hormones, not eating, drinking or pooping regularly, it can really harm a chicken if you let her sit for extended amounts of time with no babies as a result.