I love broody hens. We have had buff orpingtons go broody and have up to 100% hatch rates. My question is about a Dappled Black (may not be the correct term) Orpington hen who wants to go broody. Just wants to sit on eggs in a box. We have to move her, though, for many reasons. The other hens won't leave her alone, and the boxes are too high for when the chicks hatch. We have always moved our broodies with success, so it isn't my first rodeo. The only time we have had problems is this particular hen. She seems to be particularly temperamental. Is it the breed?
When we move her (once to our broody house, total fail!!) and once to a very large dog kennel inside of the main coop so that it is familiar environment but safe for her and the potential chicks), she rejects the nest and the eggs. When we turn her loose, she will roam with the flock for a few days, then go broody again, just wanting to sit on eggs in a box.
We want to work with her and allow her to have a successful hatch. Anyone have any input? Again, does this have anything to do with the breed?
When we move her (once to our broody house, total fail!!) and once to a very large dog kennel inside of the main coop so that it is familiar environment but safe for her and the potential chicks), she rejects the nest and the eggs. When we turn her loose, she will roam with the flock for a few days, then go broody again, just wanting to sit on eggs in a box.
We want to work with her and allow her to have a successful hatch. Anyone have any input? Again, does this have anything to do with the breed?
