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Is my hen broody?

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by AngieandSP, Jan 30, 2016.

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  1. Jan 30, 2016 #1
    AngieandSP

    AngieandSP New Egg

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    Jan 30, 2016
    Hi I am new to the site and this is my first time with chickens. I'm trying to figure out if my hen is broody or not? She is always laying on her eggs that she lays and I've let her keep them in the hopes of having chicks. She hasn't layed any new ones and she gets a little puffy and clucks at me when I try to take them or touch her. I've tried taking one of the eggs out and putting it in front of her and she just tucks it right back under her. Is she broody?
     
  3. Jan 30, 2016 #2
    Birdrain92

    Birdrain92 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock! Sounds like she's broody.
     
  4. Jan 30, 2016 #3
    LRH97

    LRH97 Chillin' With My Peeps Premium Member

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    Welcome! I agree; sounds like a broody girl to me too! It's a good idea to candle the eggs after about a week or so to see how everything is developing as well.
     
  5. Jan 30, 2016 #4
    BantamFan4Life

    BantamFan4Life Water Under the Bridge Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC!
     
  6. Jan 30, 2016 #5
    rIrs roost

    rIrs roost Sir Crows A lot

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    X2 I'm not trying to be a smart butt but has the rooster been trying to do his part? How old is she? Good luck. Hope you get some chicks. :weee
     
  7. Jan 30, 2016 #6
    drumstick diva

    drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member

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    She is exhibiting normal broody behavior. Do you have a rooster with your hens? If not her eggs will not be fertile and won't hatch no matter how long she sits on them. If that is the case, you may want to get a couple "fertile" eggs from another farm, etc. and switch out hers for the viable ones.

    She should be made to leave the nest at least twice a day so she can eat, drink and poo. Some broody's get so serious they will not leave the nest and they end up starving. So you do have to watch out for them. It is also a good time to switch eggs without getting attacked.
     
  8. Jan 31, 2016 #7
    NickyKnack

    NickyKnack Love is Silkie soft! Premium Member

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    Hello!
    [​IMG]
    Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC. I'd say she broody. Congratulations!
     
  9. Jan 31, 2016 #8
    CTKen

    CTKen Monkey business Premium Member

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    Hi welcome - as other members have said, she's broody for sure!

    CT
     
  10. Jan 31, 2016 #9
    N F C

    N F C Home in WY Premium Member

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    x2 on drumstick diva's comments. Hens will go broody whether the eggs are fertile or not. I've never had a rooster and still had a Black Australorp that wanted to sit on eggs for days (and got really cranky when I tried to move her to get the eggs out).

    If the eggs are fertile, I hope you have a good hatch. What breed is your girl?

    It's nice to have you here!
     

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