Hens on strike

[nursesoc]

One of our hens decided she was going to brood and is constantly in one of the four nesting boxes unless we make her get out and then she'll eat a little then back to the box. So the other 5 have not laid any eggs in the last two days? I was wondering what I should do if anything at this point? There are 3 RIR and 3 Buff O... the one brooding is a Buff. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Kwimmer78]

Buff Orpingtons are normally really broody, the best thing to do is try and "break her" by moving her out of the nest by force, and preventing her from going back for a few hours, she will get mad, but it will help her

 

[nursesoc]

is it normal for the others to slack off on the egg laying when one is brooding? Im hoping that they will start laying again soon and that this is only temporary?

 

[Kwimmer78]

If you break her, this will end, it is normal for the other to stop laying, but just to be safe, you should give them some extra food just to boost the egg laying rate