Hen in the nesting box?!

[CLeber719]

Some breeds are more prone to doing it in an unsafe way (too young too soon after last clutch) or without any reason to (no eggs on nest). The raised wire cage is to prevent her heat being reflected back against her skin, which maintains her desire to set.

She's a buff orpington, so I'm not sure if they are more prone to broodiness. I also have gold laced wyandottes and a welsummer. I'm hoping they don't act like this. She's in her "broody jail" for the time being. I kept her distracted for most of the day scratching, dust bathing and hunting for treats but I put her back into the jail this evening. I'm hoping it passes quickly and she goes back to normal!

 

[CLeber719]

Unless I'm hatching chicks I never let them brood. It's taxing on their health.

Yeah, for now I'm pretty much at my limit for chickens haha so I'm hoping her broody behavior passes quickly.

 

[CLeber719]

I've got one crated now, my only pullet only 26 weeks old, SMH.
Pic is not her.
Tho not necessary a chunk of 2x4 for a 'roost' was added to crate floor after pic was taken.
View attachment 2381435

Did you put some sort of grating down on the floor? I have a dog crate that I put on 4x4s but the bottom wiring is too wide for her to walk on. I put 1"x1" metal grating over it so she could walk around without falling through.

 

[rosemarythyme]

She's a buff orpington, so I'm not sure if they are more prone to broodiness.

Yes, they're a breed known for broodiness.

 

[aart]

Did you put some sort of grating down on the floor? I have a dog crate that I put on 4x4s but the bottom wiring is too wide for her to walk on. I put 1"x1" metal grating over it so she could walk around without falling through.

Yes I did.
1x2 cage mesh.
More pics here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

The only BROODY that I let go the distance was a buff Orpington. She did fine, but was an older bird by then. I got her for my Mother, who wanted a cycen that color, and her particularly because she was easiest to Catch.

 

[CLeber719]

Hey everyone! Super new to chickens with awesome luck...until now? I have a wonderful buff orpington hen that we raised from a chick. She has been amazing and laying one egg per day for several weeks/months. The last two days though, she has been sitting in the nesting box almost all day but hasn't laid an egg? We do have one rooster that is 4-5 months old. If they have mated, is she just nesting and planning on laying several fertilized eggs or is something wrong? I may sound dumb asking this but I just want to make sure she isn't egg bound and need medical attention. Thanks!

Thanks for your help everyone! Shes officially acting like a normal, not broody, friendly chicken again!

 

[rehdancer]

Agree with NatJ's assessment. My one bantam was broody for 6 wks, never laid an egg, but did come off the nest to eat and drink. She's quit on her own and appears fine. None of my other mixed-flock ladies has ever been broody. I just watch them and make sure they're all eating, drinking, and pooping - if all that's happening I don't worry about them.