Dealing with a chronically broody hen

[devilkin]

Hi,

We have three chickens, amongst which a Wyandotte, which gets chronically broody.

We have a nestera coop (the penthouse - https://nestera.us/products/chicken-coop?variant=42966300262651) with one nest. Unfortunately, when she gets broody she hogs the nest, which makes the other two very grumpy.

I feel bad putting her in jail - it stressed her out (and us), and I'd prefer a better solution to this.

I was considering finding/making/buying an extra nest that I could put on ground level under the coop and just letting her be. I don't mind that we'd have less eggs - she is not a regular layer. But not sure if this nest would be any success, or how even to find one?

The coop is in a run with fencing so it's secure at any rate.

 

[Omelette-in-progress]

Hi, I also have a nestera coop! (the medium lodge) And a stubborn broody! My 6 month old Pekin bantam has only been laying a month and has gone broody not once but twice in that time! On the 1st time locking her out of the coop quickly snapped her out of it, but now she is having none of it and has made her own nest elsewhere .

I agree with what you said about the jail, that's why I haven't tried it yet.

Leaving your wyandotte be 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 work, but it could take a while. Also, while they are broody hens eat less and drink less, which eventually leads to malnutrition if they brood for extended periods.
I don't know what your areas like, but if you combine all that with hot weather...

They are also at higher risk of getting mites and lice since they choose not to dust bathe . They really are stupid creatures.

But if your Hen is eating and drinking enough, dust bathing ect then she will probably be fine, if a little grumpy.

Hope this helps!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Really the crate IS the less stressful situation. It might upset you, but she's also upsetting the other birds as well as possibly stressing her body if she's repeatedly going broody over and over. Even if eggs aren't a priority I prefer peace in the flock above all else.

But I suppose if you really want to leave her in there, then install the 2nd nest box as you mention above and get the other layers to use that instead.