Help I'm worried.PLEASE

[Vrcrow]

Just recently like in the last 2-3days we have what would seem like a broody hen. She's showing all the signs, growling, she's puffed out when I even get near her she's nipping when I try to get the eggs. And she goes right back to the nest if I take her out. She will sit in there for hours. So long in fact I had 2 hens in one box. Here's the thing though after sitting in there for hours she will lay an egg sit there until I take it out then she'll get down later never to return again. Is she just really private or what? And then we have a completely different hen that isn't roosting the past 2 nights. They are about 7 months old and clearly know to roost. She has been laying on the coop floor over in the corner. She's not hurt or anything like that that I can see and she's not the weakest one either. Should I be worried or is this all normal for chicks? Our Hens are all Buff Orps? Please someone give me advice.

 

[sunflour]

Sounds like chicken #1 is getting broody, it starts up with moody changes, and gets worse. Once in full blown broody she'll stay in nest full time, coming out occasionally to eat and drink.

Not sure about chicken #2 but make sure you have thoroughly examined her feet and legs. It is not usual for her to stop getting on the roost.

 

[Vrcrow]

So it's probably better to take care of the broody chicken right away then huh? As far as the chicken that's not roosting I just rechecked her and there are no signs of injury. Her comb is red and she's eating and running around doing her chicken things.I'm not sure what to do with her.

 

[sunflour]

How to manage a broody chicken varies greatly. I have 3 BO's & 2 of them are always going broody. I have had the opinion to just let it run it's course, but they are doing it more frequently and can stay that way a really long time. Am dealing with this issue now, and it seems the most humane, reliable method is a broody breaker box. Thinking about trying it this time, but want to make sure I don't cause excessive stress or injury to them. Other methods don't seem to be as successful. There are extensive threads on the subject.

In the meantime, to collect eggs from under the broody. Try petting her head, stoke her back, and then search under wings. Rarely you may find egg elsewhere. Watch to make sure she does eat and drink. The first time my big buff was broody she did not and I hand fed and watered in the nest.

Sorry, but no idea about the one that is not roosting except to make sure roosts are not too high and you have enough space for all. Big Buff was quite clumsy as she matured and fretted and paced around every night appeared to be anxious about the jump when getting on the roost and mine are quite low.

 

[hollys chooks]

Love the two hens in the nest photo, I used to have two hens that were such good friends they couldn't bear to be apart so when one was laying an egg the other would sit with her.
Couple of thoughts about hen that won't roost
- will she stay on the roost if you put her on there when all the chickens have settled? she might just need to be put on the roost a couple of nights to remind her that is where she should sleep.
- what is your roost set up? some hens don't like to sit next to each other so more than one roost is needed so they can get away from each other.

 

[Vrcrow]

Well I've read that it's best to break them and not let them ride it out. I guess I just have bite the bullet and use a broody breaker. Is was hoping I wouldn't ever have to.

 

[Vrcrow]

I can't get in my coop all the way so I haven't tried to put her on. They've been roosting fine for months so I'm not sure. I have two roosts so I believe there is plenty of room.

 

[Vrcrow]

Here is a pic of the roost

 

[iwiw60]

Here is a pic of the roost

You've received good advice from others regarding your potential broody. But I saw a couple of things in your pic of the interior of your coop:

1) What is that electrical cord (?) that's hanging down in between the two nesting boxes?
2) You might put up a 1 x 4 across the bottom of the entrances to the nesting boxes...less chance of bedding coming out, and if you DO get a full-blown broody baby chicks won't fall out either.
3) The roost bar on the right is at a fairly good height in relation to the nesting boxes, but the one in the forefront is almost level with the nesting boxes. Roost bars should be at least 12-18" higher than the nesting boxes.
4) Why do you have a heat lamp?

Wishing you all the best....

 

[Vrcrow]

Thank you for responding. When we decided to place then outside we didn't want then to get to cold so we put a great lamp in and we just hadn't taken it out yet. As far as the nesting boxes we will not have babies. We are not allowed to have a Roo. So I will never have to worry about babies falling out. The roost bars have Always worked, they use them both. I really appreciate all the advice from everyone!