Feeling very sorry for my broody hen on day 31

[MsBrahma]

Hello,

We have a hen who went broody about a month ago. At first we let it go, expecting her to forget the idea. We have no rooster, anyway. Finally, after about 10 days, we decided she was serious, so we got 8 eggs from a friend who has roosters in with his flock. Glossie broke one, and another broke once as I was getting her off the nest to drink and eat. (She simply won't leave the nest on her own.)

Anyway, today is day 21, and we have just discovered that at least five of the six remaining eggs are infertile! Clearly there is nothing but liquid in them. There is only one egg that may contain a chick (we can't see anything when we candle it). I regret that we did not try to candle them earlier; I didn't know you could! So poor Glossie has dedicated herself for at least 30 days and will have, at best, one chick.

I am concerned about her mental and physical health. As I said, she will not eat or drink unless we take her off the nest and place her in the yard. She spends most of her time in a trance state. (You can put food and water right in front of her nose, so to speak, and she will ignore it.) I am afraid she is getting exhausted.

Should we get her some chicks at the farm store, or look for (more likely) fertilized eggs?

 

[Emmaxx]

Poor girl! I don't know chickens but I think your options are chicks or breaking her. If she has already been sitting for 30 days I think another 21 might be a bad idea.

 

[Emmaxx]

@Hybridchucks and @HenniesInMyHeart are chicken people and would be more qualified to comment

 

[Jayecookie]

I'd say you could easily have her raise baby chicks (already born) form the store. Just make sure they are young.. like a day or two young

 

[Jayecookie]

When adding them to the momma (there are youtube videos to help you) make sure you do it at night and one by one pop them under the momma making sure not to stress her with noise or light.

 

[MsBrahma]

Thank you for the advice. Yes, she is stressed, I think. She has been separated from the others by virtue of setting. Also, unfortunately, if you see another thread I made, we suddenly lost all four of our other hens to a fox/raccoon. It's a sort of post-nuclear war scenario; I am not sure if she realizes she is the lone survivor, but when she does, it will not be good for her.

 

[Emmaxx]

Thank you for the advice. Yes, she is stressed, I think. She has been separated from the others by virtue of setting. Also, unfortunately, if you see another thread I made, we suddenly lost all four of our other hens to a fox/raccoon. It's a sort of post-nuclear war scenario; I am not sure if she realizes she is the lone survivor, but when she does, it will not be good for her.

Oh how horrible!

Maybe chicks are just what she needs to distract her (and for you too!)

 

[ChickNanny13]

A Hen will rarely leave the nest to eat/drink/poop but will very sparingly, you'll see how huge the broody poop is. Being that she's been setting so long, it maybe best to give her newly hatched chicks (at night) or break her. Be prepared she may not accept the chicks but you need to do something, sitting this long and continuing is not good for her health.

 

[MsBrahma]

Thanks, ChickNanny13, I agree. We and the kids were so looking forward to having the natural hatching experience (which is something I remember from childhood). But this hen must surely be stressed at this point. It would be wonderful if her one "good" egg actually hatched (should have already)!, but I think tomorrow it's off to the farm store and hope they have some very young ones. Then let's hope she accepts them! I will post with news.

 

[Hybridchucks]

I'd say you could easily have her raise baby chicks (already born) form the store. Just make sure they are young.. like a day or two young

When adding them to the momma (there are youtube videos to help you) make sure you do it at night and one by one pop them under the momma making sure not to stress her with noise or light.

X2