Broody, unhappy hen-advice?

[bmetz]

Have an ISA brown who is definitely going broody. Has been sitting in the nest box that the majority of the girls use for the last 3 days. She won't come out unless I physically move her. Even forced 2 hens to use a different box today. Today after work I went out and made her get out of the box and go outside in the run. She was all ruffled up and basically is making herself a target. She is all ruffled up and shakes her feathers out and is grouchy with the others. The others were calm until she went out in the run. She also clucks constantly. A couple others went after her, I assume because they think her behavior is odd. Any advice? Will just removing her from the nest box every day be enough to stop her from going broody? She did this one time right after they all started laying and gave up after I moved her for a few days. Seems pretty determined now. Should I put a fake egg in another box and let her sit on it? Don't really want to encourage the behavior but don't want her hassling the others who want to lay. Thank you!

 

[Peppercorngal]

The broody hen is always at the bottom of the pecking order in the flock. The others will usually peck at her. The easiest way to deal with it is to go to Tractor Supply on Monday and buy a couple of day old chicks and stick them under her. Chick Days start on Monday, check their website. I have a broody and I'm going to get two chicks on Monday myself.

 

[LaLonnie Nelson]

I read that if you put her in a seperate cage that is not comfortable ( like a rabbit hutch ) with food & water .. in a few days she should snap out of it..

 

[bmetz]

The broody hen is always at the bottom of the pecking order in the flock. The others will usually peck at her. The easiest way to deal with it is to go to Tractor Supply on Monday and buy a couple of day old chicks and stick them under her. Chick Days start on Monday, check their website. I have a broody and I'm going to get two chicks on Monday myself.

I would if I had a bigger run/coop. I had 10, have 9 now. Lost one to a reproductive disorder..she only laid once in the year she was alive, poor girl. Hate that she is getting bullied now for being broody. Good luck with your babies! What kind are you getting?

 

[bmetz]

I read that if you put her in a seperate cage that is not comfortable ( like a rabbit hutch ) with food & water .. in a few days she should snap out of it..

Hmm I may have to try that. Wonder if a dog crate would work. It is a pretty large one though so not sure if too "uncomfortable" but would definitely be out of her norm so could be "uncomfortable" that way.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I would if I had a bigger run/coop. I had 10, have 9 now. Lost one to a reproductive disorder..she only laid once in the year she was alive, poor girl. Hate that she is getting bullied now for being broody. Good luck with your babies! What kind are you getting?

I'm going to wait and see what chick breeds they have and decide then. Just remember that being "broody" is a hormonal issue, not just a stinky attitude that happens to hens. "Breaking" the broody hen with isolation does not always work. Keep in mind that she can't help it any more you can control your menses, don't be mad at her, try to be understanding . . .

 

[bmetz]

I'm going to wait and see what chick breeds they have and decide then. Just remember that being "broody" is a hormonal issue, not just a stinky attitude that happens to hens. "Breaking" the broody hen with isolation does not always work. Keep in mind that she can't help it any more you can control your menses, don't be mad at her, try to be understanding . . .

Definitely not mad at her. Just want to try to help her. I feel bad for her because she is not going to have babies. She was so confused about me moving her off her "babies." Poor girl. Wanted to make sure she had gone to eat and drink since so hot outside. Then the others bullied her and I chased them off in the run. Got them settled then broke it up again. Figured the others might be bigger jerks if she is "clogging" up their chosen nest box lol (I am assuming-at least today- she lays and then stays in there after since today several used other nest boxes). Just want them all happy and getting along ideally. Usually they have a tiny tiff here and there but that is about it.

 

[LaLonnie Nelson]

Hmm I may have to try that. Wonder if a dog crate would work. It is a pretty large one though so not sure if too "uncomfortable" but would definitely be out of her norm so could be "uncomfortable"

 

[LaLonnie Nelson]

Yes a dog crate will work! Are you on Facebook ? If so like ( the chicken chick) and read her article on broody hens or go to her web page the chicken chick.com she is amazing!

 

[LaLonnie Nelson]

I would also put a piece of wire or something in a corner & keep her from being able to go back in the nest until you can set the crate up!! It will keep her safe toooo! Food & water of course