Broody make other hens not lay?

[CamsShel]

We have had a broody hen for about a week now (she's in a wire cage today). We have gotten no eggs for the last three days and I'm curious if having the broody in the favored nest would cause the other hens not to lay.

Thanks!

Michelle in OK

 

[Quack Shack]

Nope. The others will peck on her or actually sit on top of her and lay their eggs in that favored box even if Ms. Broody is sitting there. Mine would move off with much grumbling and then resume her sitting as soon as the other hen left. I would find all kinds of eggs under her in the evenings. I mean when you gotta lay, you gotta lay!

 

[CamsShel]

that's what I was afraid of...guess I'll start that search for a chicken vet.

(
Michelle in OK

 

[19hhbelgian]

My other hens haven't stopped laying... That is the one's that haven't followed in my Broody girls footsteps!

I am down to 2 australorps (of 4) and one of my polish hens actually became a "part timer"!! Then again, I haven't found any Salmon Fav eggs since the girls planted themselves in the nest boxes... Hopefully she's storing them up for when her favorite box becomes empty again!

Anyway... How is your weather? Is it hot that the heat could be stressing them at all. Also, have you checked under your broody lately?

Hope you start getting eggs soon!

 

[1acrefarm]

No need for a vet. Chickens take breaks from time to time. Heat stress will make them take a break. I am only averaging 1 egg per day from 5 hens due to the heat.

 

[CamsShel]

Our weather has actually been pretty mild for the last two weeks. We even got rain yesterday. Three weeks ago we were getting 104, most days, but for the last two weeks we have only gotten into the mid-90's.

When I moved my broody, she only had a golf ball under her...

I have 6 hens that should be laying (Buff Orpingtons with bright red combs) and fifteen that are just reaching 20 weeks.

Michelle in OK