chicken staying in nesting box.

[crystallane]

One of my chickens went in the nesting box late this morning and now 5 hours later she is still in there. Any reason why? Im a little worried. She is about 25 weeks old and has been laying eggs for about 4 weeks if thats any help.

 

[clickie]

is she broody-sitting on eggs.

 

[crystallane]

There were no eggs in the box. Well I dont think so unless one laid late last night or early this morning. The first time I checked for eggs was a 11 am. There was one egg in one box and she was in the other. I assumed she was laying. But its been 5 hours now. I went out a little while ago and gave her a bit of strawberry, she took it but didnt eat it.

 

[clickie]

o she might be broody, someone else will be able to tell you if she is or not.

 

[crystallane]

Thanks. I was thinking the same thing but have never dealt with this before so I wasnt sure. I just went and checked on her, she did end up eating that bit of strawberry.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Is she clucking? growling? puffing up?

 

[crystallane]

No. She is just staring at me. Also I noticed her butt was backed up against the back of the box, So its more like her stomach is against the bottom. If that even means anything.

 

[Lollipop]

Best way to tell a broody is if she stays on the nest at night instead of roosting. If it happens 2 nights in a row and she acts mad when your hand approaches, she`s broody, in which case you might wanna slip some fertile eggs under her at night and in the dark. Good luck......Pop

 

[crystallane]

Okay, I will keep an eye out. I dont have any fertile eggs. Hers might be fertile, I do have two roosters. There shouldnt be more than one under her. Will she lay more? I have no idea what to do. Oh, the people behind me have chickens. Maybe I can get some fertile ones from him.

 

[crystallane]

Oh, sorry about all the questions I am new at this. Thank you!