Egg bound or sterile?

[mizzq]

This is the first year of having chickens. I am currently wintering 10 hens. For the last three or for days I have 1 hen that just lays in the nesting box. It is apparent she does come out to go but than she goes right back in. When I move her to check for eggs she pecks at me and I do not find eggs. She is not interested in the"treats" I take out each night either. "Treats" being any fruits or vegetables I have in the house. I do not know what to do for her, let alone what may be wrong with her. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[sourland]

It sounds as if you have a broody hen. She wants to become a mother.

 

[Choco Maran]

Sounds like she is broody to me to. I would just leave her alone for the winter.

 

[mizzq]

So is it normal for her to not be laying eggs than?

 

[Choco Maran]

Yes that is normal.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Is she on the nest at night too, instead of roosting?

She sounds like she is broody - meaning she wants to sit on a clutch of eggs and raise chicks. It is a hormonal change in them. If you do not want her hatching babies, then search for "breaking a broody". Most hens will not give up on their own, and it can affect their health. They do not lay eggs while brooding.

 

[mizzq]

Not sure if she is in the box at night as well. I do really appreciate the help from everyone. Thank you!

 

[Marney]

I am in the same position - my silkie has just become broody for the first time. Very scary, I thought she was dying!

 

[mizzq]

After I discussed my issue with everyone here I went out and bought a metal dog crate to put my hen in. I tied it to the roost to get her off the floor. It was a big fight to get her in, let alone to keep her in while I was trying to change her water and food. I felt so bad having to keep her separate from the other birds. I kept her in for about 3 days. I than decided to let her out and see what happens. So far she has not confined herself back to the nesting box. She seems to be back to her normal self. I went out the other night to tend to the chickens and found a "mini" egg. She is back to laying again! I am so excited. Thanks so much for all the great advice.

 

[JackE]

I have a couple of BOs that go broody on me from time to time. One of them, I can just pick up and take out of the nest box, no problem. The other, is another story, she'll squalk, growl, and even scream ( I swear it sounds like she is screaming NOOOOOO NOOOOOOO) when I go to pull her out of the box. And with her, it's a good idea to have gloves. The first time she went broody, I reached in there to grab the eggs, she bit and opened up the back of my hand. She's like a pirahna in there. Talk about Dr. Jeykle and Mr, (Mrs) Hyde.
It is though, a good idea, if you don't want her to raise a brood of chicks to have a broody buster box/cage standing by. It's tough on them to sit there all day with limited food and water intake.
Jack