Broody, or is something wrong?

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Debbie292d]

I took her out of the nest and put her in a run. She was furious. She's the most reticent of the four adults and for her to attack the other hens and then stomp off back to "her" nest and sit there was, if I wasn't concerned, very amusing. I put out strawberries, blueberries and mealworms as a peace offering and she wanted nothing to do with it. Would it be helpful to introduce the young birds at this time?

Well now there's no question that she's broody. I'd break her using a crate that's placed on bricks or boards so it's open air on the bottom. Put a narrow board in there so she doesn't have to perch on the wires. Affix the feeder and waterer to the side somehow so she doesn't tip them over having a tantrum. Four days is typically how long it takes.

As for the adding the chicks to the coop, I missed how old they were. Assuming they're around 6 weeks, I'd put dual waterers and feeders out, and if possible, keep one set of those so the adult birds can't get at it where it can be a refuge for the little ones. Also putting clutter in your run area like leaning pallets against the fence/wall, overturned old chairs, wooden boxes on their sides, etc. anything so they can get away if they're being chased or attacked.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Good luck with your broody lady.