Can you make a hen STOP laying?

[chickschool]

My hen has a fractured femur and it looks like she's very uncomfortable each time she lays an egg. I'm trying to make her as comfortable as possible while she heals and was wondering if there is anything I can do to get her to stop laying. I'm sure that it is painful considering where the break is located.

 

[OldGuy43]

I'm assuming that you have relocated her to an unfamiliar environment? That usually stops laying for at least a few days.

 

[chickschool]

Yes, she's been my livingroom for the past two weeks. I thought the pain alone would stop it but she labored over an egg for over 24 hours. She was panting and kept changing positions like she just couldn't get comfortable. At one point she had her hind end in the air with both wings spread out to the side. I just don't want her to have to go through that again.

 

[OldGuy43]

Sorry, that was the only thing I could think of. Perhaps someone else has an idea.

 

[chickschool]

Thanks anyway. We are going camping in two days and she is coming along so maybe the change will help.

 

[Den in Penn]

Make her day shorter. The shorter days in winter makes them lay less. With a shorter day she will also move less