Broody?

[AllenK RGV]

We just found one we thought was killed by hawks. Nope she drug 11 eggs off to an old tire to brood. I am very glad she is alive after missing her this whole year but my wife wants to have more chicks as they do disappear from stupid neighbor tricks.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

enabler - ask someone near you has fertilized eggs...just saying

I wish I had the space in the coop! But being born in January in Vermont sounds like a rough start. Must wait.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

They are all on the roost except Broody Buffy. The nesting area is blocked off so she is sleeping on the floor near the nesting area. Poor dear.

I put a call out on our neighborhood listserv, and someone only a quarter mile away has several sizes of broody crates! We meet tomorrow. I promise to disinfect intensely!

 

[aart]

The nesting area is blocked off so she is sleeping on the floor near the nesting area.

You could put her up on the roost....tho she may get back in the nest once you open it back up in the morning.

 

[Mrs. K]

call local feed store - what is the earliest they get chicks? I did have a broody raise 4 in October, and at age two weeks, she raised them just fine at -20F.

Just kidding - you do what you need to do, I am just jealous, I did not have a broody hen last year. The first time in 12 years of raising chickens.

Mrs K

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Broody cage in place. Last night she escaped from it and spent the night on her imaginary eggs. Secured better tonight.
Wish us luck!

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Update:

Two nights and parts of days in the Brooder Breaker (she free-ranged parts of days) and she seems to be broken of broodiness! She was out with the rest of the motley flock all day with no attempt to go back to the nest! She is on the roost now with her girlfriends.

I had the cage set up on our enclosed porch starting tonight, as it is going to get very cold and I’m going to be away a couple of days. It didn’t work perfectly well - she spilled every water source I tried. I will have to get a bigger one next time.

Thank you all! So helpful, except you, @Mrs. K! Just kidding!

 

[DiYMama540]

Nice job breaking broody! The broody growl is terrifying to me...just saying!!

 

[aart]

It didn’t work perfectly well - she spilled every water source I tried. I will have to get a bigger one next time.

Feed and water is PITA in a crate.
Horizontal nipples in a small bottle work great......and I use those caged birds cups for feed.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I had a small corner feeder that hangs. She pulled it all the second night. I tried a dish of water. It was empty in the am but for the poop. I gave her a snowball. Not sure what happened to that. She was very thirsty when I let them all out!

I tried to give her extra mash when she was out. She was very wary of me. Who can blame her?