how do i stop my hens from setting?

[keitorin]

My hens love to set. we have one that will set for 5 months at a time. The other day i had a hen that was on the verge of death because she had been setting so long. she's okay now though. i brought her inside and gave her food and water. they get dehydrated from setting so long. i have tried everything. they always go back to their nest. we have about 5 setting at the moment. we don't need any more chickens. we have so many! please help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You will need to break them the minute you notice it by putting them in a wire bottomed crate slightly elevated off the ground for 3-5 days. Provide food and water and don't let them out until day 3 to check if they return to the nest.

Certain breeds and lines are more broody than others. Pick a breed that's not known for going broody to avoid it as much as possible.

Unfortunately for others the instinct to reproduce is strong and hasn't been bred out of them as much.