Do I have to "break" my broody chicken or will she stop on her own?

[karajo]

Hi all - One of my hens has gone broody. I don't have a rooster so there's no chance of hatching. I keep collecting the eggs but she still sits there. She doesn't really object to me collecting the eggs.

All six of my chickens use the same nesting box to lay, sometimes there's three of them (the broody and two other's) so even though i'm collecting eggs, the eggs get replaced with new ones.

So here's my question. Do I have to "break" her or this just pass eventually? I don't really care that I'm down 1 egg in production.

Thank you,
Kara

 

[Judy]

Eventually she will give up. Problem is, there is no way of knowing how long this will take. When they set on eggs, they lose weight and muscle tone. One thing you could do is simply take her off the nest at least twice a day, or more if you are able. Prod her to move about, eat and drink, perhaps get some exercise or a dust bath, before she returns to the nest. At least she will get a little more nutrition and exercise this way. Whether it causes them to give up sooner or not is anyone's guess. This is how I manage broodies. I presently have one who gave up in a few weeks and one who is still setting.

 

[karajo]

Thank you. I saw her out taking a dust bath this morning, but went back to the nest. So she is getting out some of the time. I'll keep an eye on her.

 

[Hubert Cumberdale]

I have the same problem. We have a blue has that gone brudy three times this summer. It's a real pain, as it seems to unsettle the flock :/

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi all - One of my hens has gone broody. I don't have a rooster so there's no chance of hatching. I keep collecting the eggs but she still sits there. She doesn't really object to me collecting the eggs.

All six of my chickens use the same nesting box to lay, sometimes there's three of them (the broody and two other's) so even though i'm collecting eggs, the eggs get replaced with new ones.

So here's my question. Do I have to "break" her or this just pass eventually? I don't really care that I'm down 1 egg in production.

Thank you,
Kara

Thank you. I saw her out taking a dust bath this morning, but went back to the nest. So she is getting out some of the time. I'll keep an eye on her.

A broody will leave the nest once a day to take a dust bath and to eat/drink.
If she is not sitting on fertile eggs, it is best to break her. Place her in a cage is a good way to do it - this Article may help you.

 

[aart]

Ancient Thread Alert.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ancient Thread Alert.

LOL oh well it popped up active in my feed, did not notice the dates - it still may be useful to others looking for help

 

[tacothechicken]

A hen may go bloody 1 to 3 or so times per year and it can cause issues :/ had a female Orp who would brood till she was skin and bones never could break her from it. eventually we picked up a roo and a few months later she had chicks! Post her first clutch she was much healthier brooding wise like she had the confidence to relax knowing she was capable XD