How long does it take?

[Seaecho]

My 2 year old Serama hen has been nesting and staying in one spot off and on all day, since this morning, and it's now 7pm. Is this normal to take this long to lay an egg? I don't think any of her others took this long. Seemed like it was only an hour or so. I haven't looked under her--wanted to find out what I should do by posting here first.

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

Could she be broody

 

[Seaecho]

You are exactly right! Finally, she came out to eat dinner, and there was an egg! I took it, but after she ate she quickly went back into the coop, and laid down in the same spot. That's when it dawned on me. I sure hope she's not still doing this tomorrow. I've never had a broody hen before---only had chickens for a few months. I hope I can break her, as the hot months are coming up and she'll burn up in that coop!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Souse her down in a tub of cold water and that should quickly break her desire to try motherhood.

 

[RWise]

A wire bottom cage set off the ground for about a week (less).
And sounds like you need more ventilation in the coop,,,,

 

[Seaecho]

She's out this morning, drinking and eating, so maybe I won't have to do anything. The coop has enough ventilation. I made sure of that. It's just that the desert gets over 100 in the summer!