I'm worried!

[corewassen87]

My Olive egger started laying about 6 weeks ago. She was laying daily and all of the sudden stopped for the last 2 weeks. Last night she disappeared and I can't help but think she is sitting on a nest of eggs somewhere on the property. Is it even possible to go broody at 8 months old? Maybe I'm over reacting but she's my favorite and I can't stand not knowing if
She's okay

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

My Olive egger started laying about 6 weeks ago. She was laying daily and all of the sudden stopped for the last 2 weeks. Last night she disappeared and I can't help but think she is sitting on a nest of eggs somewhere on the property. Is it even possible to go broody at 8 months old? Maybe I'm over reacting but she's my favorite and I can't stand not knowing if
She's okay

It is entirely possible for them to go broody at 8 months of age, yes. Sounds like it's time to go on a bird hunt and/or stake out the feed/water station because, even broody, she will return a time or two during the day to get a quick bite to eat - this would enable you to either stalk her back to her nest or just lock her up and keep her home. Do you have them trained to come when called yet? Often if you have trained them with a very desirable treat even a broody can't resist the temptation to come running for that treat they think they are about to get.

 

[corewassen87]

It is entirely possible for them to go broody at 8 months of age, yes.  Sounds like it's time to go on a bird hunt and/or stake out the feed/water station because, even broody, she will return a time or two during the day to get a quick bite to eat - this would enable you to either stalk her back to her nest or just lock her up and keep her home.  Do you have them trained to come when called yet?  Often if you have trained them with a very desirable treat even a broody can't resist the temptation to come running for that treat they think they are about to get.

Usually they all come running she
They hear the sliding patio door open. Everyone but her comes. Like I said I can't help but think she's been laying elsewhere.

 

[corewassen87]

Well she was back this morning and hung around a while and disappeared again this evening. Might have to camp out on the deck tomorrow and watch where she goes to nest at night

 

[aart]

Well she was back this morning and hung around a while and disappeared again this evening. Might have to camp out on the deck tomorrow and watch where she goes to nest at night

Do you have a rooster? If so, just wait a week and she'll bring the babies back!!

Well, really, best to find her nest and bring them all back to safety asap.

 

[corewassen87]

Unfortunately I don't have a rooster. So she's sitting on a pile of eggs that are just gonna go bad if I can't find it. Once she shows back up again I'm gonna lock her up for a couple days in the coop so she remembers where home is hopefully. I got rid of all my roosters because they were mixed breeds. I was considering buying a nice purebred rooster to go with my ee's and oe's. Maybe a bcm would complement egg colors