How did your flock annoy you today?

[redinator]

Some of my pullets had gone broody. One especially was on auto-peck if you got near enough to her in her nest.
Somehow I was able to eventually handle them to get them out of the box with no pecks.
I actually had to distract/ block some with an object for a while (usually my phone. The case side, camera out of the way. In case their peck did damage)
Easier if you start at her side instead of the front.

Hand at the side, go under, find a foot. Let the toes wrap around your hand/fingers. Support body and lift out of box. (Don't have thumb on top the shanks, between legs and body. Causes discomfort whether she's trying to sit or stand)
If you have a big hand and a small bird, you can do this one handed. If not, repeat with other hand on other side.

Then comes the flapping.

Most of mine will 'step up' like a parrot. It's something I've done since they were chicks so I don't know if it works with all chickens, but I haven't tested it with a broody yet.

 

[redinator]

Ahh, you may have either a chicken portal, or some of those parallel dimension birds I've been hearing about.

It must be a really good spot 'cause I flipped the whole yard looking for them.

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

Some of my pullets had gone broody. One especially was on auto-peck if you got near enough to her in her nest.
Somehow I was able to eventually handle them to get them out of the box with no pecks.
I actually had to distract/ block some with an object for a while (usually my phone. The case side, camera out of the way. In case their peck did damage)
Easier if you start at her side instead of the front.

Hand at the side, go under, find a foot. Let the toes wrap around your hand/fingers. Support body and lift out of box. (Don't have thumb on top the shanks, between legs and body. Causes discomfort whether she's trying to sit or stand)
If you have a big hand and a small bird, you can do this one handed. If not, repeat with other hand on other side.

Then comes the flapping.

I also deal with carrying them like this because they hate when I put them on the perch if they're not balancing on my fingers. They don't trust me enough to put them down Ground is fine, perch is not.

 

[GApeachmama]

Y’all somebody laid an egg!!! I think I know who. But honestly unless I catch her in the nesting box who knows?!! I legit had to stop myself from doing a photo shoot with the suspected culprit! I think it’s my Australorp Nubia. It better not be my EE.

 

[GApeachmama]

Nobody’s laid their first egg. Now I’m paranoid it won’t happen this year because days are getting shorter in the Midwest. Then Viola pecked me on my shin and Sweet Baby pecked me too. BUT I pecked Sweet Baby back. Viola was too fast. I’m going to get her eventually.

It happened!!!

 

[AnneGirlGG]

Y’all somebody laid an egg!!! I think I know who. But honestly unless I catch her in the nesting box who knows?!! I legit had to stop myself from doing a photo shoot with the suspected culprit! I think it’s my Australorp Nubia. It better not be my EE.View attachment 4233684View attachment 4233685

Yay!! Thar is one pretty egg. Congratulations!

 

[GApeachmama]

Thank you !! I’m so proud of whoever it is! Amy tips on figuring out who?

Yay!! Thar is one pretty egg. Congratulations!

 

[AnneGirlGG]

Thank you !! I’m so proud of whoever it is! Amy tips on figuring out who?

I wish I could help. All mine are bantams, and they're not old enough to lay.

How many do you have in all? Do they all lay brown eggs, except for the EE?

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

Thank you !! I’m so proud of whoever it is! Amy tips on figuring out who?

Their comb will be a noticeable ruby red in the morning before lay. It goes back down to a pink-red after lay. If you have no rooster, chances are one might scream that they've gotten an egg out once they're done. It's instinct, because that's how they tell a rooster to come lead them back to the flock. Also, with new layers they tend to sit on the nest for a very long time before an egg comes out. I've waited three hours before.

 

[TOMTE]

Thank you !! I’m so proud of whoever it is! Amy tips on figuring out who?

First check their vents.

A laying bird (or one very close to laying) will have a moist, pink vent. A pullet who hasn't started/isn't close yet will have a smaller, dry vent.

You can also check the position of their pelvic bone. Can't find the article about that, though.