Help! Broody Hen!

[Bawkbok]

That's optimal so the bird is never out of sight of the flock, though occasionally folks have had super stubborn broodies where maybe a change of location is needed to break them. But that's a fairly rare scenario.

A broody's hormones (which in turn affect her behavior) might cause the flock to treat her oddly, or vice versa, but as long as she's remained in sight of the others that shouldn't cause more than some minor skirmishes. I've had sick birds caged up to 6 weeks inside the run, and been able to simply turn them out and they rejoin the flock with almost no fuss.

Question about your coop design, which I love by the way. What is the Black Jack #57 used for? Sealant as bug deterrent?
Nice job on describing your design; the pictures are helpful and I like the descriptive details on the run build.

 

[ChickenTenderz]

I have a question about method #2 as I have a BA and a Buff Orpington - new to me for the first time - which I've read go broody often. We are limited to a small number of hens where we live so option #1 is not an option as we'd be over the legal limit.

Do you put the dog crate inside the run so they can all see each other or is it separate away from the coop and run?

Doesn't separating a hen create re-integration issues with the others after 3 days?

I'm new to chickens so I'm following this thread as I anticipate having a similar problem.

ChickenTenderz - let me know how it goes if you choose #2.
Thank you all.

I chose to go with option 1 and bought 4 hatching eggs for her to sit on. We are on the homestretch, today is Day 17...we should have chicks hatching this weekend.

It is my understanding that broody jail is just meant to keep her from being able to nest down and stay warm like she's on eggs. She should still be within sight of the others so there isn't a problem when she is released.

 

[ChickenTenderz]

As Ridge Runner states we all do things differently. My grandfather was a big rancher all his life, and once he told me, 'they know more about being a cow, than I ever will' I have taken that advice with chickens. They know more about being a chicken than we do. I do not bother mine at all. I don't candle them, and I don't expect 100% hatches.

My nests are about 3 feet off the ground, and my hen will pick a nest and stick to it, it is really only big enough for one hen. But I mark my eggs and if she is off the nest, I go take a peak to make sure there are no strays. Often time, while broody is out dust bathing and drinking, other hens will dance in and think - oh this is a good spot. If I have not caught her off the nest for several days, I will carefully remove her. Just to check for extra eggs.

I think a lot of problems people have with broody's is that they try and help, upsetting the hen, which can have her get so upset that they kill the chicks. Seriously day 19, just leave her alone, you can peak into the coop, listen for peeping, say a prayer if you want, but do leave her be.

Now one of the reasons I think Ridgerunner and I have had good success with this, is because we hatch every year. Our flocks are used to chicks. Another reason when you leave her in the flock, she will go out every day or so, stomp around, blow up like a beach ball, chew out the layers, nag at the rooster and stomp around. Everyone learns to give her some space. And we have a great deal of space.

I have tried moving them - yep escaped and went back to where she thought was best. After that, I just hope we get something, and wait.

If this works, you will be spoiled. It is the funnest, cleanest, easiest way of adding chicks. Mama does all the work. 12 weeks in the house? Wow. You will never go back. But it is the longest 21 days ever!

Mrs K

It really is the longest 21 days ever! We're on Day 17 and I can't wait

 

[Mrs. K]

Well be ready around day 20, cause it really is not quite 21 days...however, leave her be to the best of your ability.

 

[ChickenTenderz]

Well be ready around day 20, cause it really is not quite 21 days...however, leave her be to the best of your ability.

I have been wondering if I should go ahead and have chick feed & water available for them or wait until they hatch? I haven't even bought any chick starter yet.
I try not to bother her too much, I still bring her scrambled eggs (her portion of daily treats) and check for any extra eggs that get laid with hers when she gets up for her daily break.

 

[Mrs. K]

This is what I do - take it with a grain of salt. Today, we are 102 F. I worry a bit more about water. I set up a chick water on the floor of the coop, when I hear peeping.

The reason that they can mail chicks, is most do not eat upon hatching, they are still living on the yolk. So when she leaves the nest - and the unhatched eggs or shell bits, mine have alway made a new nest on the floor of the coop. I make sure the coop floor is clean and has bedding. When she does that, I offer food.

But generally speaking, mine have been out of the coop (ground level coop) in the run by day two. I put all the layers on chick feed or flock raiser, add oyster shell on the side, and put rocks in the waters...but yesterday I saw a week old balancing on the rim of the bowl, and getting dips of water and never once over balanced into the drink.

Mrs K - finger crossed for you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Question about your coop design, which I love by the way. What is the Black Jack #57 used for? Sealant as bug deterrent?

The BJ57 is there to seal the wood against moisture. Other folks use deck or barn paint, or throw down a sheet of vinyl, for the same purpose.

 

[Bawkbok]

The BJ57 is there to seal the wood against moisture. Other folks use deck or barn paint, or throw down a sheet of vinyl, for the same purpose.

Thank you for the explanation. When I grow up, I'm going to build a customized coop so collecting information now.

 

[Annie6oh]

I'll probably try broody jail.
But just curious...where can I get hatching eggs ?

We had the same challenge. One of our chickens became broody for a whole month!, nothing would stop her behavior! And we have no roosters!
In exasperation a friend of ours, who has 2 roosters, swapped 6 eggs with us, possibly fertilized or not. So we put then under her and she stayed on them (getting up to eat and drink water), until they hatched. Thank God only 4 were fertilized, and also another friend will be taking a couple of tge chick's who are now 8 weeks old, and growing fast. Luckily they are all Pullets!! How fascinating watching them develop - so quickly too!
Best of luck with yours!

 

[ChickenTenderz]

Update: I hear little peeps, and could see a tiny beak popping through one of the shells!