chicken sits on eggs and doesn't leave them

[rbum]

I have 2 Rhode Islands and one seems to sit on eggs and not move. I picked her up yesterday put her in the run for awhile and she ate and drank. Face still has good color including comb. Is she sick? I don't see any problems with her,last week one was killed by a dog. Is she just scared?

 

[Pyxis]

She's broody and trying to hatch the eggs Totally normal, and as long as she gets up once a day to eat and drink she will be fine. If your eggs are fertile she will hatch you some chicks.

 

[rbum]

Thanks for the info. She had the wife and I worried.

 

[justplainbatty]

Thanks for the info. She had the wife and I worried.

She's broody and trying to hatch the eggs

Totally normal, and as long as she gets up once a day to eat and drink she will be fine. If your eggs are fertile she will hatch you some chicks.

I agree but I would also politely add: if the eggs are not fertile, take them away, every day and search this thread for how to break a broody hen. Setting is very hard on the hen, she will shed her belly feathers, get no exercise and be vulnerable to lice and mites too. Just another view,my two cents on the floor...

 

[rbum]

Thank you Pyxis

 

[drumstick diva]

Yes, she is broody. Do you have a rooster? Is there any chance she is laying "fertile" eggs? If so let her have a go at it. Just make sure she eats, some broodies will starve themselves because they will NOT leave the nest. She may also start growling and puffing up if you try to approach the nest - that is broody talking. Once she is no longer broody she will return to her usual personality.

 

[Pyxis]

Thank you Pyxis

You're welcome! I saw in another post that you have no rooster. Will you get her fertile eggs? If not it's probably best to break her as stated above, for her health.

 

[rbum]

I don't want to get a rooster but have considered it since 2 were killed by stray dogs. I raise them for their eggs only.I will try to break her from the broody stage.