hen frequently becoming broody! Help.

[Chicken Lover97]

One of my hens on February 23rd hatched her own little flock of 13. 3 Months later (after rasing them all) Hatched another 12 as of last Wednesday. Is this normal? Im afraid she might do it again. Dont get me wrong, i dont mind the new numerous babies, im just a little worried Of her health, as i know motherhood takes a big toll on a hen health wise. Any suggestions?

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

If she's losing weight, give her some extra fat in her diet. Otherwise I wouldn't worry. If she was too stressed she wouldn't go broody. Clearly she's being taken care of well and feels healthy. Just makes sure she eats enough on the nest, if she nests again.

If you want, you can break her broodyness next time so she takes a break.

If she's losing weight, or feels thin, than I'd make her wait a few more months before raising up another batch. Hens can go a little crazy sometimes.

 

[iwiw60]

Boy, she's a real producer! With that said, if you want to "break" her of being broody, here's a great page that might help:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search?q=broody

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I have a hen who's that way too. She's on her second clutch this year. She gets good and fat while she's raising her chicks, so I just let her do what she wants to do. Which is sit on eggs and hatch babies

Her MO seems to be to keep them for 6 weeks, lay a good sized clutch and start over. I'm okay with that. She's a little fattie, so I figure she knows what she's doing

 

[iwiw60]

I have a hen who's that way too. She's on her second clutch this year. She gets good and fat while she's raising her chicks, so I just let her do what she wants to do. Which is sit on eggs and hatch babies

Her MO seems to be to keep them for 6 weeks, lay a good sized clutch and start over. I'm okay with that. She's a little fattie, so I figure she knows what she's doing

I'm so jealous of those of you who have such wonderful broodies! I'm in high hopes that one of mine ends up that way...it would be wonderful!!