How to manage a problematic broody hen

[jangrace]

I have had three hens for about a year now, one RIR, one BPR and a buff PR. The RIR and the BPR are great layers, but the Buff PR is broody about every 6 weeks. We have an urban homestead and are only allowed hens and want the eggs. I have tried various methods of curing her of it including separating her and caging her in a cage with a cool floor, shutting her out of the coop, so that the others can lay and even putting a cold pack under her in the nest box. Nothing seems to work. I would love to come up with a solution so that we can get her back to laying asap, but the behavior seems to always return. Does anyone have any advice? We have also considered turning her into dinner but we're not sure it is worth it as she is a small hen, over a year old. Thanks.

 

[richsbabycakes]

I'd get some fertile eggs from a health food store and stick them under her. You can always give the chicks away or sell them depending on your laws.

 

[ll]

I'm having a similar problem = too broody hen around a year old.

The first time she stopped in 3 days, but now she's in a seemingly never ending broody cycle.

If we put fertile eggs under our hens and they hatch the chicks - will they stop being broody or do you mean to let them become egg hatching hens only?

Subscribing to read any posted advice 'cause I need it too.

 

[richsbabycakes]

I just keep chickens for fun and as pets so I think it would be neat to hatch chicks.