How can you get a hen un-broody?

[BOs and Silkie]

One of my buff orpingtons hens went broody on unfertilized eggs. How can I get her unbroody? I tried putting ice under her and blocking off her nest for a couple of hours but it didn't work.

 

[Judy]

A common method is put her in a wire cage like a dog carrier for a few days, with food and water but no nesting material. Prop the cage up so there is air flow to her bottom. Or put her in her own pen with no nesting material. Some people have a "broody pen" with a concrete floor for this purpose -- no nests, no hay or other litter.

Or, just let her continue to try to hatch a golf ball. Pull her off the nest at least twice a day, and prod her til she moves around, eats and drinks, and goes outside. It might not break her any sooner, but being broody won't be nearly as unhealthy for her.