Chicken stays in the coop

[MikeTheGardener]

I have a hen that sits in the coop all day, then when the other girls lay eggs she immediately sits on them. Even though we remove the eggs as quickly as possible she waits in there until another one comes along. We have dealt with broodiness in the past, but this takes the cake. Ideas?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How have you dealt with a broody? You should probably break her by putting her in a wire bottom cage elevated off the ground a bit for about 3-5 days, provide food and water. Though sometimes just relocating them is enough for some.

 

[MikeTheGardener]

How have you dealt with a broody? You should probably break her by putting her in a wire bottom cage elevated off the ground a bit for about 3-5 days, provide food and water. Though sometimes just relocating them is enough for some.

I have done that in the past and it seemed to work before but now, not so much. Same chicken by the way.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some are more stubborn than others, I have one that will sit tight anywhere. They need to cool off, so if they are sitting tight it might take longer. I've also penned them directly on concrete to break them. Some are just so determined, maybe you need to hatch some eggs.

 

[MikeTheGardener]

Some are more stubborn than others, I have one that will sit tight anywhere. They need to cool off, so if they are sitting tight it might take longer. I've also penned them directly on concrete to break them. Some are just so determined, maybe you need to hatch some eggs.

Interesting. Never though of hatching some eggs

 

[chickens really]

You will need a Rooster to get the chicks too hatch out of those eggs.
I had a hen last year that did the same thing. loved the eggs of all the other hens.
I just kept collecting the eggs and sending her out everyday. Does not always mean she is broody.

 

[brenda56]

1 of My hen gets broody and last couple of days she just will not move off the nest I'm sure there are eggs there she's getting quite cross when I try to move her but today I will have to get her outside for something to eat and drink she's pecking at me when I try to move her do I just force her out please

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

1 of My hen gets broody and last couple of days she just will not move off the nest I'm sure there are eggs there she's getting quite cross when I try to move her but today I will have to get her outside for something to eat and drink she's pecking at me when I try to move her do I just force her out please

Put on gloves if you don't want to be pecked and pick her up and put her outside. You won't hurt her. If she's broody she will probably be a bit crabby about it though.

 

[brenda56]

1 of mine has been broody last couple of days I forced her out and let her have run of the garden while the other 2 were left in coop until thy laid

 

[aart]

I have a hen that sits in the coop all day, then when the other girls lay eggs she immediately sits on them. Even though we remove the eggs as quickly as possible she waits in there until another one comes along. We have dealt with broodiness in the past, but this takes the cake. Ideas?

Is she staying on nest all night too?
Has she stopped laying (if you can tell)?

Quote: You'll need to decide if you want her to hatch out some chicks, and how you will 'manage' it.
Do you have, or can you get, some fertile eggs?
Do you have the space needed? She may need to be separated by wire from the rest of the flock.
Do you have a plan on what to do with the inevitable males? Rehome, butcher, keep in separate 'bachelor pad'?
If you decide to let her hatch out some fertile eggs, this is a great thread for reference and to ask questions.
It a long one but just start reading the first few pages, then browse thru some more at random.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/496101/broody-hen-thread

You will need a Rooster to get the chicks too hatch out of those eggs.

Well...or at least some fertile eggs from another source.