, if a new chick is definitely not in your plans, or your hen's eggs cannot be fertile, then you do need to try and discourage broodiness within your flock. Once one hen becomes broody, it can be quite contagious! Regular egg collections are important but may not "crack" the problem. Broodiness can be subtle at first - keep a close eye for any hen that is starting to spend longer periods in the nesting boxes. She may start to become a little temperamental and take exception, in the form a well place peck, to your presence. You may even notice that she plucks out a few of her breast feathers to make a comfy nest!
Hen & chicksTo discourage your broody hen from brooding anymore than she already is, blocking off the nesting box or simply just moving her off the nest and removing the eggs may be all you need to do. However, some hen's instincts are very strong and you may need to remove the hen to temporary accommodation in a cooler place for a few days.
The change of environment and conditions should soon take her mind off sitting on eggs all day. Don't delay in trying to break the broodiness within your hen. The longer you allow it to continue, the longer you will have to wait before she starts laying eggs again and earning her keep!
, It all started with my Cuckoo Marans mix hen going broody in February, i was able to snap her out of it, then my Silkie went broody for about one week then snapped out of it two weeks ago, and now my Black Star is showing signs of broodiness.
