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?
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.
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. e
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.
Hello! 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!
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!
