How broody is too broody?

[txredneckmedic]

take the wooden eggs out next time u collect eggs....this way she doesnt have anything to go broody on

 

[flakey chick]

Quote:
Actually that's what I did. I only had 2 hens, so I hated to isolate them both. Unfortunately broody was at the bottom of the pecking order and couldn't defend her babies. When top hen grabbed a chick and took it out of the nest box, I HAD to separate. Maybe she would be able to defend them better now that she has raised 1 brood? (BTW, I was able to rescue the chick- no permanent harm).

 

[Ridgerunner]

They are unique individuals and have their own personality. What works for some does not work for others. I really don't have any more advice or suggestions. Seems like you are doing the best you can.

 

[fornese]

what an adorable hen!! I have a 1 year old RIR that has gone broody 2 times this summer. It is hormonal. It is normal too. I do not have a rooster because I do not want babies. so, I read where you can cage her up and feed her (because a broody hen usually does not eat but sparingly) this is what could be detrimental to them. Do not have a nest box in the cage, you need to make it a "little bit uncomfortable" for her. After a while (maybe a week or so) she will get over the "Broodiness".
I used a plain wire cage. My hen clucked and fluffed up for about 10 days and then was over her broodiness and I let her out with the others.