Is it too hot for a broody hen to sit?

[EAST TEXAROO]

Wondering if it gets too hot in the coop, is it normal for a hen to leave a nest. She wants to be very broody but seem the heat is to much for her. Should I move the nesting box to a cooler area. I have a 4x8 deer blind that she can borrow for a few weeks that is in the shade all day and is preditor proof.

 

[Judy]

I really think she knows whether to set on the eggs or let them be open air. See if she doesn't set at night when it is cooler. Moving her might upset her, but the shade is a good thing. If your coop is well ventilated, she should be fine. Or maybe provide a little shade over it, set up a tarp or something. You know your setup better than we do.

 

[Dirt Road]

The deer blind sounds good. Just be sure to make the move after dark. No sense in the poor thing cooking all day. You might also check her for mites. The multiplication rate of mites, increases about 500% in hot weather.

Jim

 

[pbjmaker]

Our broodies were more like hovering over their eggs the other day rather than sitting on them because of the heat. My daughter took a two liter of ice and put it by them with a fan blowing on it. That seemed to help a lot. At least they quit panting.

 

[EAST TEXAROO]

Thanks everyone, I will move her tonight. As for the mites I am on top of that about a week ago I 7 dusted the hens pretty good with the 5% stuff and even put some in all thair favorite dust holes around the yard, As of this morning No mites on the ladies that I can see.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Mine is sitting in 100 degree weather every day! She is just fine - I leave her be. She can hatch chicks better than I can LOL