Can’t break broody hen

[Esrun]

I am semi new to chickens. We have a silkie (won’t get these lovely littles again bc of this) who is ALWAYS broody! She’s been in broody jail for 4 days and no sign of stopping. I need her out bc she is the top hen and now my bottom hen is getting bullied by the others. I think they’re all crazy now bc she isn’t in the flock (I have her in the wire crate with them but she’s still in the crate). The crate is on 2x4s so it isn’t touching the ground. Help! It’s also chilly here in the North East so I can’t give her an ice pack or bath. I can’t give her eggs. I did over the summer and it appeased her for a short time only. Ugh. She’s broody nearly ever month I swear. What should I do?! Please help TIA!

 

[RossAcres]

You're doing exactly what I would do for a broody hen. Unfortunately for your situation, she's built for this. Her main goal in life is to go broody. That's just how silkies are. Consider giving her fertilized eggs to hatch out. Of course, that's if you don't mind babies. Her having to raise chicks will keep her from going broody for a little while. You really can't keep her from going broody. She will always find a way

 

[Esrun]

You're doing exactly what I would do for a broody hen. Unfortunately for your situation, she's built for this. Her main goal in life is to go broody. That's just how silkies are. Consider giving her fertilized eggs to hatch out. Of course, that's if you don't mind babies. Her having to raise chicks will keep her from going broody for a little while. You really can't keep her from going broody. She will always find a way

Ugh lol. She didn’t do well with the flock as a mom. She didn’t protect the babies. I also just can’t do eggs. Guess she stays in jail for another few days

 

[Delphene]

who is ALWAYS broody!

If all else fails take her for a car ride! This might sound crazy but they think they like being abducted by aliens (Not literally) and think 'Well this is not the time to have babies' Trust me I'm not that crazy of a chicken lady It usually works just for the jail after a day or just to kick them out but if all else fails try this! For 10-15 minutes or even 5-8 might do the trick.

 

[Esrun]

If all else fails take her for a car ride! This might sound crazy but they think they like being abducted by aliens (Not literally) and think 'Well this is not the time to have babies' Trust me I'm not that crazy of a chicken lady It usually works just for the jail after a day or just to kick them out but if all else fails try this! For 10-15 minutes or even 5-8 might do the trick.

Haha! I’m going to do this because she is broody right now AGAIN!!

 

[Delphene]

Haha! I’m going to do this because she is broody right now AGAIN!!

Oh no Best of luck! Silkies sure are adorable but they can be SUCH a pain! I dont know if it works for Silkies but I hope it works for you!

 

[Esrun]

Thanks! She is my top hen so I worry about taking her out of the flock completely but it’s cold here so I don’t know if the broody cage is ok drive in the car it is!! I even gave her chicks this spring…. She did not actually protect them from the other chickens though so she had to be separated then with them.

 

[Delphene]

Thanks! She is my top hen so I worry about taking her out of the flock completely but it’s cold here so I don’t know if the broody cage is ok drive in the car it is!! I even gave her chicks this spring…. She did not actually protect them from the other chickens though so she had to be separated then with them.

You're very welcome! Your Silkie is your top hen? I've never heard of that unless your flock is Bantoms and Silkies! (Or just Silkies) Either way, that's interesting. I think it will be okay as long as they can see her though I've never done it so I'm not really sure,

That's too bad, everyone always says how they are such good moms. Though, (This happens often) sometimes when you give them chicks they reject them and just don't care for them. Did she let them sleep under her at night?

 

[Delphene]

Thanks! She is my top hen so I worry about taking her out of the flock completely but it’s cold here so I don’t know if the broody cage is ok drive in the car it is!! I even gave her chicks this spring…. She did not actually protect them from the other chickens though so she had to be separated then with them.

Hope this helps!

 

[Meyers And Sons Chicken F]

I am semi new to chickens. We have a silkie (won’t get these lovely littles again bc of this) who is ALWAYS broody! She’s been in broody jail for 4 days and no sign of stopping. I need her out bc she is the top hen and now my bottom hen is getting bullied by the others. I think they’re all crazy now bc she isn’t in the flock (I have her in the wire crate with them but she’s still in the crate). The crate is on 2x4s so it isn’t touching the ground. Help! It’s also chilly here in the North East so I can’t give her an ice pack or bath. I can’t give her eggs. I did over the summer and it appeased her for a short time only. Ugh. She’s broody nearly ever month I swear. What should I do?! Please help TIA!

Why do you care if she is broody? put eggs under her to see if she would hatch them, I wish I had one that would go broody saves time and money.