Chicabeaka
Chirping
- Apr 24, 2015
- 35
- 0
- 60
Hi all,
I have 4 hens, 1 rooster and 2 guineas. They range from 8 - 11 months old. They have all been doing very well until a few days ago.
My Black Cooper Marans who is my very best layer suddenly stopped laying eggs and is sitting in her nest box. How do I know if she has gone broody or is ill? I have looked up a lot of information and am probably more confused than ever.
I was gone for a few days and my husband and son were taking care of the chickens for me. Although they were doing a good job, my son accidentally goofed up with the waterer and the flock was without water for an afternoon and morning. When this was discovered they were pretty thirsty but other than that seemed fine. The following day we had a big snow storm and it got very cold.
All was good for a couple of more days then Mic started staying on her nest. Her eyes are clear, she looks okay although she does have a tiny bit of white on the top of her comb (frost bite?). Did she get overly cold, dehydrated?
I took her off of the nest once. She went out, drank and ate. Yesterday I was so happy because when I looked out, she was in the run eating and drinking. Shortly after she went back to the nest box even though all of her buddies are free ranging.
So, how do I know if she is broody, sick, egg bound? She's such a good layer but every now and then will lay a really big egg. She hasn't laid in 5+ days. She usually lays 4-5 per week.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreicated!
Thanks!
I have 4 hens, 1 rooster and 2 guineas. They range from 8 - 11 months old. They have all been doing very well until a few days ago.
My Black Cooper Marans who is my very best layer suddenly stopped laying eggs and is sitting in her nest box. How do I know if she has gone broody or is ill? I have looked up a lot of information and am probably more confused than ever.
I was gone for a few days and my husband and son were taking care of the chickens for me. Although they were doing a good job, my son accidentally goofed up with the waterer and the flock was without water for an afternoon and morning. When this was discovered they were pretty thirsty but other than that seemed fine. The following day we had a big snow storm and it got very cold.
All was good for a couple of more days then Mic started staying on her nest. Her eyes are clear, she looks okay although she does have a tiny bit of white on the top of her comb (frost bite?). Did she get overly cold, dehydrated?
I took her off of the nest once. She went out, drank and ate. Yesterday I was so happy because when I looked out, she was in the run eating and drinking. Shortly after she went back to the nest box even though all of her buddies are free ranging.
So, how do I know if she is broody, sick, egg bound? She's such a good layer but every now and then will lay a really big egg. She hasn't laid in 5+ days. She usually lays 4-5 per week.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreicated!
Thanks!
