i think my hen went broody

[moorechicks]

Today my DH went out to collect the eggs, And our Blue Silkie was in there and he tried to get the eggs and she pecked him. Well she hasnt got out all day and also peck my DD when she went out. Does this mean she is setting? I have never had my own setting hen. Any info would be great. Thanks

 

[Happy Chooks]

Sounds like you have a broody! If she stays on the nest through the night, you're good to go!

 

[pgpoultry]

It does sound like she is broody. Take a look to see if she has a balding breast. If she makes a loud squawking noise when you lift her, likelihood is that she is broody. If so, do you want chicks? If so, fertile eggs under her, if not, take her off the 'nest' and, if disrupting her sitting doesn't stop it, then place her in a dog crate or similar for a few days to break the broodiness,
Good luck,
Sandie

 

[SmartyChick]

Sounds like a broody. Congrats

just what pgpoultry says, want chicks? Hatch. Don't want chicks? Break broody
I would go for hatching chicks especially if you have kids, it is a great experience!

 

[moorechicks]

ok 2 days later and she is still there.

yes chicks are fine and that will be great for the kids to see also instead of the bator. The thing now I have a question about is it start out with a couple eggs under her but the other hens have laid and we just check and its up to 6. This would mean they will be spread out which comes my question. How does that work will she keep laying till all hatched? Do we need to mark them some how to know? Any info will be great.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Chances are it's the other hens adding to her clutch. (they don't lay when broody) You can mark the eggs with a sharpie or pencil and remove the unmarked eggs daily. Or you can separate her.

 

[write2caroline]

My broody made Godzilla like noises every time I looked at her.
Caroline