Girls gone broody....

[HeyItsDebV]

At what age can a chick/hen become broody? My 14 chicks are 7 weeks...they LOOK like hens

But one chick kept in the coop today, every time I checked on them...I dont see lack of appetite, etc... she just prefers being in the coop..
Too early to go broody?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Wayyyy too early. Is she being bullied? That can cause them to hide in the coop at that age. Also, illness.

 

[HeyItsDebV]

I didnt think she was bullied as I have never seen any of the chicks even peck another...If I notice her alone tomorrow I will check her out more! Thanks for the quick response

 

[BooBear]

There could be bullying that you haven't caught yet. She may be at the low end of the pecking order. Watch her for any signs of unusual behavior and give her a good inspection just to make sure there is no illness causing her to hang in the coop.

Most pullets start to lay at 6 months. Some take a bit longer. (The average range is between 22 weeks to 35 weeks give or take) Broodiness can kick in at anytime when a pullet begins to lay. Spring just seems to get them in the mood. Mothering is in the air.

 

[Moabite]

I snuck 15 eggs out from under my SLWyandot today. She puffed up and complained, but maintained her lady like composer.

 

[HeyItsDebV]

Moabite, I have so much to learn...did your hen lay 15 eggs in one day??? Dont you remove the eggs every day?

 

[BooBear]

That is alot of eggs. Are you gonna incubate them or eat them?

So far my Blue Wyandotte girls growl, fluff up, pout, and whine at me when I take the eggs away that they want to hatch. I have not been bitten yet.
Dad on the other hand has been bitten by Mrs. Grumpy. She is the one I am letting go through the broody phase as I have eggs already incubating and plan to see if I sneak the chicks under her at night if she will accept them.

 

[HeyItsDebV]

Chicken Cuddler, Thanks too...yesterday was the first day for me to let them free range in my big back yard...wondering if she ate something that didnt agree with her... I will watch her more tomorrow...

and worry all night

My 14 girls are all so sweet and loving and curious...