How broody is too broody?

[Money Pit Zoo]

My Porcelain D’uccle, Effie, successfully hatched and raised three beautiful healthy chicks. She kicked them to the curb one week ago (they hatched 8 weeks ago). She ran right back to the nesting box and is broody again! I’m not opposed to having more chicks so I’m considering letting her brood again, but is it too soon for her? Is that healthy? Should I try and break her so she can build up her nutrient stores, fat, muscle, etc before brooding another time?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Did she put on weight during the 8 weeks she was nurturing her littles?

 

[Money Pit Zoo]

Yes, she looks good

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, she looks good

Then I wouldn't worry about her. The only thing is, you're not getting any (or many) eggs out of her. I got disgusted with my chronically broody Orps after three years of only getting about 8 eggs a year out of each of them and decided I was done with the beautiful freeloaders. But as long as she's regaining condition between brooding episodes, it won't harm her to be a chronic broody. She will certainly keep you in chicks!

 

[Money Pit Zoo]

Oh I am drowning in eggs!! I have too many chickens because I think they are cute and funny, but we don’t actually eat that many eggs!