How do I get eggs from a broody hen?

[nancy1zak]

Our BO laid her first egg two days ago! Today she is just sitting in the nest. I am assuming another egg is under her. Do hens go broody that fast? After the second egg they ever laid?? If so, how do I get her off the egg so I can get it? We don't have a rooster, so the egg will never be a chick.

 

[SallyF]

Either lift her off the nest or just reach in and get it. Usually they will growl or cluck and raise their feathers. Some may try to peck; others won't. I usually wear my gardening gloves just in case they get peckish. If you wait for her to give up, you'll probably be waiting for a month.

 

[henney penny]

If they are really pecky then I put a small pail like a childs pail that comes with a shovel over her head and then you can reach in and get the eggs without being pecked.

 

[nancy1zak]

Great! THX. When I was petting her she was just making some little peep noises. When I went back out to check on her she was BAWK-BAWK-ing and then she ran out of the coop. So, maybe she was having trouble getting the egg out since it is her second one. Although...it was perfect. I read the BO's do go broody...so if/when she does...I will be prepared with gloves and pail. : )

 

[MareeZoCool]

Quote:
Right. No rooster, no sense in wasting good eggs and a good layer by allowing her to act broody. Pick her up and set her outside to free-range at least a few hours.