I think I have a broody hen..

[SarahFair]

My one winged wonder, Uno, I think has gone broody.
I had to cut her wing off about 8 months ago and ever since she has been the most skittish bird. Like I ever look her way and shes running (cant blame her..)
Well I noticed she will FREAK out if she cant get into the coop to lay an egg (sometimes the wind will blow the door shut).
Today I noticed she SQUEEZED her way in and is now sitting on an egg.

I went to grab the egg out from under her and she made a weeeeeerrrrrrrree noise. Then I went for it again and she pecked me! (Very bold move for this girl.)
So I just left it there.


I have been gathering eggs from her (shes my only hen laying) and putting them in the fridge for future hatching (I know they dont do well in the fridge but I dont want to hatch until I have a large number and that wont be for awhile).
If shes broody Id rather her hatch them and raise them for me. Should I set the eggs near her? How many eggs can she sit on (shes about a year old black australorp)?
Could I mix guinea eggs with chicken eggs (guineas I know take longer to hatch and Im wondering if she wont think they are "bad" and abandon ship after the chickens hatch)?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

It is possible she is going broody. I would not keep the eggs in the fridge. You can store them in a basement closet or somewhere that is around 55 degrees and not longer than 10 days. The hatch rate declines a lot after that. Is she nesting somewhere on the ground that you can just put the eggs beside her? She will pull the eggs under her. I would think about a doz is all she will be able to sit on properly. Good luck.

 

[SarahFair]

I stuck 2 by her and she pulled them under her.. (exciting!)

What about the guinea eggs? I dont want to spend the $12 if shes just going to get off them before day 28..

 

[SarahFair]

she got up


Could she go back or should I bring the eggs back inside?

 

[wegotchickens]

Don't give her the guinea eggs unless you put them under her first and then add the chicken eggs so all hatch together. She will leave the nest when enough hatchlings are ready for food & water.

She may be getting broody but not 100% there.
Or...
Just need to poo & get some water before going back in. This is normal. Also, broody poo looks like a medium sized dog took a dump, so don't be alarmed.

 

[SarahFair]

Quote:

to the poo comment. Dont know why... just made me laugh
poop has that effect on me i guess

Shes walking around the yard with the rooster now..
I guess I should leave them in a few days just in case?

 

[wegotchickens]

I'd mark the eggs with the date you put them there and then keep an eye on her.
Each day, remove any that don't have a date written on them.

Wait a week and see if she's better about setting on them. The growly noise and pecking is a broody thing, but the hormones may not've totally kicked in yet.

I was amazed and horrified by the size and aroma of broody poo the first time I saw it