Help !!! Not sure if hen has gone nuts. :(

[renewistrombaker]

One of my 4 RRR hens, Tarragon, has gone off the deep end. She no longer hangs with the flock but instead sits in the nest box 24/7. Whether there is an egg or not. Ive started taking her out in the eve as she doesnt even sleep with the flock on the perch anymore. I put her down, she drinks a bunch of water, pecks at some crumbles then walks around clucking softly then goes straight back the the nest.
Is this normal? It seems very very odd that she's never with the flock anymore. Not grazing around the lawn or digging around for bugs or dust bathing.

What do I do?

Im really worried,

Thanks for your help

Rene'

 

[Imp]

Sounds like she's gone broody. Wants to hatch something.

Imp

 

[lurky]

Quote:
yep.....sounds broody ......... a/k/a nuts

 

[oldchickenlady]

She wants some babies!

 

[sourland]

She hasn't gone nuts, she's gone broody.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

QUICK! GET HER SOME EGGS!

 

[MBar Chickens]

shes gone broody

 

[PortageGirl]

If you want some chicks, get some fertile eggs under her. If not, get her into a bare cage or pen, preferably with wire base so it's somewhat uncomfortable for her, provide some food and water, but NO bedding or nest materials. She may or may not quit acting so 'nutty' in about a week.

The reason to break her broody behaviour is that it's very hard on them to be broody, with or without eggs, but an especial waste if she's not going to hatch any. They set on a nest, only get up to eat and drink very minimally once or possibly twice a day which causes them to lose weight and be vulnerable to disease and general weakness etc.

 

[joebryant]

Why would anyone ask if their chicken "has gone nuts"? Chickens are all nuts; they can't go someplace that they already are.