Friendly chicken now scared

[Gosia]

We have 2 chickens, Rocky is used to people and can be picked up, likes her back scratched, etc. the other one Cocky is a bit petrified of us.
They lay eggs in a makeshift coop.

We don’t lock them up at night anymore, as they have chosen to sleep on top of the awning beam amongst the borgeounvillia at our kitchen door.

For the past 2 days Rocky has been acting very different.
Slept in the coop last night
Stayed there for most of yesterday
Is scared of Cocky (Which has been attacking Rocky -Rocky is twice the size.
Fluffs her feathers to make herself big when we come near her and when Cocky approaches
And walk around with her wings wide open until she is out of sight.
Also is very vocal, more and louder than usual
We can still pick her up and hand feed her, and she doesn’t run away from us
Is there something wrong with her?
Is there a stuck egg?
Is there something we can do to make her feel safe again?

 

[N F C]

First off...

From what you describe, it sounds like your girl could be broody.

 

[boskelli1571]

It certainly sounds like she could be broody - follow her around and see if she has a secret stash.
Alternatively, maybe something scared her overnight? You don't say where you live, but you must have night prowlers.

 

[Gosia]

We have 3 cats that are cohabitating with the chicken without a problem. We live in Cape Town, SA.
So, now that we know that she is broody, how do we knock her up? We don’t have a rooster. Do we rent a rooters and he comes to ya or do we take our girl to him? We have a friend that has a gigantic rooster.
do we need the same breed rooster? Or will any do?
How long with the mating last? Do we leave them together for a couple of days?
We know absolutely zero

 

[FortCluck]

We have 3 cats that are cohabitating with the chicken without a problem. We live in Cape Town, SA.
So, now that we know that she is broody, how do we knock her up? We don’t have a rooster. Do we rent a rooters and he comes to ya or do we take our girl to him? We have a friend that has a gigantic rooster.
do we need the same breed rooster? Or will any do?
How long with the mating last? Do we leave them together for a couple of days?
We know absolutely zero

Just buy fertile eggs and put them with her in the coop

 

[Gosia]

Just buy fertile eggs and put them with her in the coop

Oh! Amazing, never knew we could do that. So where does the other hen lay when the coop is busy? can she lay there as well or do we need to make a new coop?

 

[FortCluck]

Oh! Amazing, never knew we could do that. So where does the other hen lay when the coop is busy? can she lay there as well or do we need to make a new coop?

Do you have a dog kennel or something you can put the brood in with the eggs? Broodys don't like to be disturbed so she will need another place to stay. It depends on the size of your coop... What size is it? If you can make another for her then that's what I'd do.

You said your friend has a rooster so I assume they have fertile eggs.

 

[janiedoe]

She definitely sounds broody.
If you want chicks, just try and find fertile eggs to purchase. However, you should keep in mind that you probably will get some males in your hatch and plan for them. Alternatively, you could put a couple of fake eggs under her & replace them with newly hatched chicks (less than 3 days old) after 2 weeks or more. It may be hard to find chicks this time of year.
You will have to protect her and the baby chicks from predators, including your cats (they may get along fine with your hens but they may kill the chicks).
If you decide to break her from her being broody, there are plenty of articles on BYC to help you.
Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[Gosia]

Thank you so much to everyone! We are very happy that our Rocky is healthy, and just broody! What a relief! Steep learning curve. We will get fertilized eggs, and give her what she craves in life.

 

[boskelli1571]

Thank you so much to everyone! We are very happy that our Rocky is healthy, and just broody! What a relief! Steep learning curve. We will get fertilized eggs, and give her what she craves in life.

Be careful how many chickens you wish for.....