help with possible broody pullet for new chicken owner

[beginnergirl]

Investing in a small wire dog crate might be a good idea, I've found them to be very useful in a multitude of ways as a chicken keeper.
Sometimes you can find them cheap at yard sales or thrift stores.
Having room in the coop to isolate birds, for various reasons, is something else to think about being able to do before enlarging your flock.

If she's still laying and going to roost at night, she may not be truly broody....may be just 'thinking' about it.
I would not put a bird in the broody breaker until I had seen that she stayed on the nest for 3 days and nights, except for daily outings to eatdrinkpoop.

I had a bird isolated for an injury, in that same crate tho it had the tray and some bedding in it, and she laid in there just fine every day.

I think having a crate would be a good idea. I could fabricate a temporary corner in the coop to isolate momma or an injured bird. Though the coop is larger than recommended (6 sq feet per bird), it is too small and I want to maximize whatever space I have. I do want a crate to bring any sick bird indoors so I can monitor them. Will see if I can find one on Craigslist. What is a good size? I just got rid of my XL dog crate

Clover forgo her morning treats sitting on an empty nest but went outside and was in the run. When the rain began later, she headed for the nest but had not been sitting on the egg because it was cold. She did not lay yesterday. So she may being only considering being broody? It is getting cooler here so maybe the temperature is helping discourage her. She still growled at me when I took the egg. Many thanks. Will check the broody thread. Yesterday too busy...

 

[beginnergirl]

Hi,

I'm pretty sure your suggested set up would be fine. I'd suggest going for cheap eggs, so if she fails to set the eggs, then the financial loss is minimised. 

I started breeding after only having had chickens for 3 months. I don't really think its that complicated (particularly when a hen does all the work, as opposed to using an incubator) and its a very rewarding thing to do. I don't see any reason why you should not go ahead and try - theres always BYC to fall back on if you need any advice!!

Good luck
CT

CT,

Very encouraging to hear you were able to jump into breeding so soon after getting chickens! I will have to see what my girl does- if she is truly broody. Thanks so much!

 

[aart]

I think having a crate would be a good idea. I could fabricate a temporary corner in the coop to isolate momma or an injured bird. Though the coop is larger than recommended (6 sq feet per bird), it is too small and I want to maximize whatever space I have. I do want a crate to bring any sick bird indoors so I can monitor them. Will see if I can find one on Craigslist. What is a good size? I just got rid of my XL dog crate

I've found the 18"W x 24"L x 18"H to work best as I can carry it easily and it fits one bird just fine.
That's what's in the pic I posted.

I also have a couple of the XL's from my dogs, and have used them for chicks and chickens,
just can't hardly carry them alone and can't reach the bird without leaning in.

Folding storage is a must and 2 doors is very handy...wish my XL ones had 2 doors.

 

[beginnergirl]

Thanks, Aart! Two crate doors sounds like a great idea. This chicken keeping hobby is not saving me any money.... LOL. I do love my girls! They are so much fun.

 

[beginnergirl]

My update on Clover is that she has moved on from her broody ways. It has been cold here so I let the girls out early. Don't know if the temperature helped or not. She also stopped laying. But I haven't seen her on the nest and is back to her regular happy self.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will be better prepared if she does get broody again.