I have another set of hens "tag team brooding" NOTHING

[Jemezhens]

Hi all! Ok this is a first for me, its been a few months since the first pair of "tag team brooders" hatched 3 chicks. A few weeks ago a 2 other hens decided that they wanted to give it a try. They decided to brood at the same time in the same box. Not that unusual in my flock, I guess, it's the third time it has happened over the years. But here's the kicker. There are no eggs to sit on, they have no clutch! I check every day (suffering their puffed up assault on my hand as I search under them) neither have laid in a few weeks. What gives? and how do I get them off?! They both come out to eat and drink at least once a day but they are starting to look tired. Brooding air is hard work help!

 

[sourland]

As you have discovered they don't need eggs to go broody. I once had a duck that tried to incubate 3 apples. Lock them in a pen or cage away from their nest site, and they will eventually break. I see a silky in your avatar. If they are silkies, they tend to be near perpetually broody. Sometimes allowing them to hatch and raise chicks can extend the interval between broody periods.

 

[Isaac 0]

Some broody hens are so dedicated they sit on nothing.Cant you just put eggs from the other hens under them?To get the best hatch rates i would separate them.There is too much fighting over the eggs with two broodies in one nest.

 

[Jemezhens]

As you have discovered they don't need eggs to go broody. I once had a duck that tried to incubate 3 apples. Lock them in a pen or cage away from their nest site, and they will eventually break. I see a silky in your avatar. If they are silkies, they tend to be near perpetually broody. Sometimes allowing them to hatch and raise chicks can extend the interval between broody periods.

That silkie roo was named Horton sadly we lost him and the rest of that flock 2 years ago to a cougar. these two girls are a partidge cochin and a speckled sussex. Thanks for the reply I'll try to break them of this wierdness

 

[Jemezhens]

Some broody hens are so dedicated they sit on nothing.Cant you just put eggs from the other hens under them?To get the best hatch rates i would separate them.There is too much fighting over the eggs with two broodies in one nest.

That is not a bad idea! I have 3 double sized boxes and have separated them before. They are obsessed with this particular one. Perhaps its the most successful hatching box? but they definately want to be together!