dumb question about a broody hen

[OrpingtonManor]

Hi Chicken Rox,
I'm glad this helped you. That's why I wanted to get the details on what to do, even if there were many suggestions.

Tatertot started laying again 3 days ago, so that meant she only stopped laying for a little over a week, including the time she spent in the nest box.

Good luck with your broody hen!

 

[sunnychooks]

Keep in mind the longer they are allowed to remain broody the longer it will take for them to start laying again. Since she is laying already it sounds as if you caught it early.

 

[OrpingtonManor]

I suspected that was the case. I'm glad I caught her broodiness right away. I doubt this is the last time she will be broody. She really likes sitting on those eggs. When the time comes for me to get more chicks, I will try to time it with one of her broody phases, and slip the chicks under her. I bet she would be a great mother!

 

[jacyjones]

Something to watch with a strong broody is that they eat. I had one who lost condition really fast as she would not eat at all. I had to separate her with her own food and water to try and iensure she took something in. So.....the separation stopped her broodiness and helped her put on weight!