how do you break a broody?

[raspeary]

OK, so i now have two broody girls. One has been broody for close to 3 months and one just for two weeks. I would like to break both. I've tried putting ice packs under them thinking they wouldn't like the cold but that didn't phase them. Putting chicks under them is not an option cause I don't have anymore room for more chickens. any other ideas?

 

[raspeary]

No ideas??? hmmm

 

[Lollipop]

You will get a lot of advice on the subject as it is posted at least weekly. The most common method is to pen the broody in a small pen with a wire floor and just food and water. Usually takes a few days. If you do a search, you will see tons on the subject.........Pop

 

[tofumama]

I put my broody hens in a rabbit hutch with the pan underneath pulled out. I have it just for this purpose now

Put them inside with food and water but no hay, shavings etc. SOmething about the air flow underneath them breaks their broodiness. I had a hen who was broody for 2mo and had her in there for 3 days and she got out and was back to normal. I have another broody hen in there now....hth!

 

[tinychicky]

try blocking their nests. broodies like to stay in certain nest boxes where their (invisible) eggs are. keep them out of the nest and the "eggs" will get cold. the broody should give up by then.

 

[Ridgerunner]

This might help.

Break a Broody Thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2176186#p2176186

 

[Barred Rocker]

I have a bantam that goes broody 3 times a year. I just keep taking the eggs away and after a few days she gets tired of sitting on nothing and gives it up.

 

[raspeary]

Quote:
I actually tried this with my first brood and she just went to another nestbox. Now I have two and they often switch nest boxes after they come out for food.

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Quote:
Exactly.

For persistently broody hens, we place them in a completely wire cage outside in the shade. The combination of bright light plus the air flowing underneath seems to help.

 

[jwchicklady]

I will have to try the wire cage thingy because I have 6 broody hens right now!