Broody question

[crooked stripe]

I have 1 buff orp that is 24 weeks and she hasn't left the nest box all day. I pulled an egg out from under her and left the golf ball in. The main question is can a 24 week old pullet go broody and the second is should I take the golf balls out now that some hens are laying? I tried pushing her out but she won't go, just sits there. I have left the golf balls in thinking that once all hens where laying I would then take them out. Please set me straight. John

 

[hwerner]

I keep plastic easter eggs in boxes at all times. As I have some pretty stubborn hens that won't use a nesting box still and they are almost 2 years old. I keep hoping the eggs will detour them to the boxes and away from their secret hiding places. To question one, I have had and am having a problem with a hen that just started laying a couple months ago. She is already broody. Some hens are like that, and it seems I have all of them. Just watch her for a few days, and if she still doesn't come out, you may want to let her hatch some out. Some hens won't quit until they hatch. I had to Bantam Cochins lay on plastic eggs for almost 2 months before I gave in. Now they are each proud mammas and have left the box.