Broody

[newbie of six chicks]

We have 6 hens with no rooster, one hen is broody for about 4 days now. She will not leave the nest even when we open the coop up for free range. Will this have any effect on the others laying routine? We have not had 6 eggs since she started. What should we do, if anything?

 

[Danielpn]

Put her in a wire dog crate, or something similar, in a shady spot, with feed and water and a single perch. Put the crate on four blocks. Wire crate is important, she needs lots of air circulation to cool her jets. She may need to be there three or four days to get back to normal routine as soon as possible. Remember, she is not eating or pooping routinely, her health is deteriorating. Meanwhile, pet her and tame her if she isn't already. She will stop trying to take your fingers off in a day or so.

 

[Cassandra Lana]

If you have more than one nesting box you should be fine .

 

[Pork Pie]

Take a look at this link - Breaking a broody hen

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're not going to hatch/get chicks, then break her as others have mentioned. Yes broodies can impact the rest of the flock as their behavior is different and all the fighting over the nest boxes/nesting area can cause stress and strife.

 

[aart]

How I break a broody hen: After her setting for 3 days and nights in the nest (or as soon as I know they are broody), I put her in a wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller wire(1x2) on the bottom but no bedding, set up on a couple of 4x4's right in the coop or run with feed and water.

After 48 hours I let her out of crate very near roosting time(30-60 mins) if she goes to roost great, if she goes to nest put her back in crate for another 48 hours.

Tho not necessary a chunk of 2x4 for a 'roost' was added to crate floor after pic was taken, gives the feet a break from the wire floor and encourages roosting.