So I got a mini-flock of 17 last January (2010) when they were about 8 months old. No one has ever gone broody or even acted remotely broody. About a week ago, one of my Silver Lace Wyandottes was just sitting in the nesting box all afternoon. I was worried about her as we lost a hen to an egg-bound nightmare. I kept checking on her, she wouldn't even move when I picked her up, just made soft clucking noises, and felt extremely heavy. I had to go out of town a few days and left my husband to watch her, fully expecting a call that she had died. Got home last night and she is still in the same box, although she does change positions alot. My husband said she gets out to drink and eat occasionally and then hops right back into the nest. I'm guessing this is just broodiness and it will pass. I know some say to put ice under her, but if I don't do that, will she stop after the normal 21 day hatch cycle. I don't have a rooster, although some of my new batch from the end of March are boys. They shouldn't be old enough to "knock up" my hens though, not even crowing yet. (They're gone as soon as they do, so smart boys!)
I guess I just want reassurance that this is what a broody hen does. Thanks!
