How do I break my broody?

[Ruby Mia]

She went broody in June and I spent a month trying to break her, but ended up giving in because she wouldn't come out to drink or eat and had lost a lot of weight. Don't want to hatch again as we ended up with 2 roos and one hen like last year, they're still in our garden right now, but we already have a rooster who got badly injured while we were on holiday last year from our other chicks. I take her out the nest box constantly as well as the eggs, but she sits there regardless if there is eggs or not. I'v read about putting them in cages hanging with no bedding, but I don't have one and it seems a little cruel doesn't it? Any other options?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Do you have a separate crate you could try. I had one who was relentless, but I put her in a separate box for two days and she couldn't wait to get out. If that doesn't work you may have to try a wire cage. I know exactly how you feel, it just doesn't seem right, but at the same time she can't go on like that forever. You have to keep her well being in mind.

Best of luck to you.

 

[iwiw60]

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search?q=broody+breaker

Hope this helps...keep us updated!

 

[Ruby Mia]

Thank you! Will put her in the cat box tomorrow. Do I just put pellets and water in there with her?

 

[iwiw60]

Thank you! Will put her in the cat box tomorrow. Do I just put pellets and water in there with her?

I'm not familiar with 'cat' boxes but you need to use a box/crate that is made of metal wire. Remove the 'tray' at the bottom so she has to stand on the wire..keeps her uncomfortable and not wanting to 'set'.....just FYI

Yes, have food/water in there as she needs to be totally confined.

 

[Ruby Mia]

Ok, thanks!

 

[scot123]

I have a similar situation. Thanks for the info.

 

[Chicks4fun2]

I have a chicken (rir) that appears to be going broody is there anything I can do to stop her from going completely broody? She lays on the fake egg as well as her own and doesn't get out of the box until I remove all the eggs...she has become nasty to the other hens when she is in the box and doesn't allow the other birds to use the box. I have moved the fake egg to the other box in order to help my other hens lay( they seem to only want to lay when there is an "egg" in the box) and though she hasn't. Pecked me yet she isn't happy when I take the eggs away...any tips? I have caught her laying on other hens eggs once I took away the fake ones... I have taken away the fake egg and moved it while she was in the box and moved it to the other box and she just follows it where ever I put it?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

You have to take all eggs everyday. If she see's those eggs her instincts kick in and she wants to do what nature tells her. You'll want to take her out of the box if she's being broody. Take her out and distract her with a snack.

Moving the fake egg won't deter her. It's just going to make it more difficult and get her more riled up that she wants to sit in a new spot.

 

[iwiw60]

I have a chicken (rir) that appears to be going broody is there anything I can do to stop her from going completely broody? She lays on the fake egg as well as her own and doesn't get out of the box until I remove all the eggs...she has become nasty to the other hens when she is in the box and doesn't allow the other birds to use the box. I have moved the fake egg to the other box in order to help my other hens lay( they seem to only want to lay when there is an "egg" in the box) and though she hasn't. Pecked me yet she isn't happy when I take the eggs away...any tips? I have caught her laying on other hens eggs once I took away the fake ones... I have taken away the fake egg and moved it while she was in the box and moved it to the other box and she just follows it where ever I put it?

Look at my post above (#3) .. that will give you all the info you need....