Does this box make my butt look big?

[cochinfan05]

So my standard coaching "Thumper" has decided she'd like to be a mama again. Has been sitting for about a week on some duds. Last night I moved her to her own area and thought this cardboard box would be a nice nest. Shipped eggs (silkies) should arrive today or tomorrow but I'm thinking my box is a tad small? I guess I just wanted the eggs in something so they wouldn't roll out but I don't want her to be uncomfortable for 21 days. Any thoughts?

 

[iwiw60]

Your best solution is to use a dog crate...they work great for broodies!

 

[cochinfan05]

My only crate is being used by my coaching bantam whose on day 14. It was a first come first serve situation

 

[iwiw60]

If you don't have a friend who has a dog crate you can use, make a run to the grocery store and get a bigger box...and yes, her butt does look 'big' in that itty bitty box!!

 

[Daedalus62]

... Poor thing, she looks really unconfortable.

If you can't get a bigger box anyway, you could always try cutting out an side entrance in that one... Who knows, she might position herself correctly that way.



Good luck with the hatch!

Cheers

 

[cochinfan05]

I think when the eggs arrive I'll put them in a larger box then just do a trade off and hope it doesn't upset her. She's fairly determined though.

 

[iwiw60]

I think when the eggs arrive I'll put them in a larger box then just do a trade off and hope it doesn't upset her. She's fairly determined though.

Oh, you got that right! Broodies can get a tad nasty when a human gets close, even their 'chicken mama' ... When you get ahold of a bigger box setup, get it all ready, etc. Then move her at night when everyone is calmed down and roosting. I'd highly recommend wearing gloves. Go in and pick up the whole nest and place it in the new one. Trust me, that broody will be right behind you (if not on top of you!). Stay and watch to see that she settles down in her new digs and voila! Just make sure she has access to water and feed (preferably not in the new box but outside of it). That way she can do her poopies outside of the new brooder box.

Best of luck...I hope you get lots of fuzzy-butts!!

 

[cochinfan05]

Hehe. Last year she hatched out 3 ducklings. On one of there first outings my cat got a little curious and was basically punished severely by mama "Thumper". I couldn't help it I had to laugh! I don't think he's ever looked at the chickens the same since.