Broody??

[Lalo Moreno]

I have a small game hen that has been laying eggs fir 4 days. I haven’t collected them. Every time I get near her nest box or move the eggs she gets upset and starts making grumbling sounds.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most hens will protest if they are actively sitting on the nest. I'm sure she will be broody at some point. The best indicator is she stays on the nest nearly constant, and is fluffed and clucking when she's removed.

 

[Chicken-lovebirdchihuahua]

She might be broody or just overprotective of her eggs is she laying on them?

 

[RodNTN]

How long is she on the nest per day?

 

[Lalo Moreno]

I haven’t seen her on the nest yet. The nest box is new. She is a 24/7 free range bird. All her eggs were laid in odd areas. One in my sock basket, in my shaving supply, and under my grill. I made her a nest box and put the eggs in there in hopes of her going broody.

 

[RodNTN]

Is she on the nest right now?

 

[Lalo Moreno]

Is she on the nest right now?

No she’s out in my yard somewhere. (I hope)

 

[Lalo Moreno]

Just checked on her. She’s laying on them!!! Not sure if she is trying to lay an egg or going broody.

 

[RodNTN]

Has she been ranging all day? If this is the case, she probably isn't broody. But if she has been on the nest for a significant amount of the day, she might be.

 

[Lalo Moreno]

Has she been ranging all day? If this is the case, she probably isn't broody. But if she has been on the nest for a significant amount of the day, she might be.

I’m 80% sure she is broody. Just offered her an egg from my EE and she scooped it up under her with the rest of her eggs.