Is my hen broody?????

[corky569]

I've got a Barred Plymouth Rock hen that has been laying pretty steadily since the middle of June. The last few days shes been spending most of her time in the laying box. I would think that she's become broody except there are no eggs under her. She stays in there even though there are no eggs in the box. She even stays after we take the ones she has laid????? What do you guys think?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Yeah, they do that all the time. Are you interested in letting her set? Did you mark the day she started?

 

[chicks are life]

Does she puff up or bite when you touch her?

 

[corky569]

She started Saturday, but we only have a young cockerel. I don’t think hes even attempted to mount her yet. I would probably let her try to hatch some if they were fertile? Why would she stay put with no eggs under her though??

 

[corky569]

Does she puff up or bite when you touch her?

She puffs up a little, no pecking though.

 

[chicks are life]

And growls

 

[chicks are life]

You can buy fertile eggs I wouldn't trust the eggs unless you have seen him mount and you have seen the fertile "bullseye"

 

[chicks are life]

My opinion they always look like growling pancakes

 

[corky569]

So...without fertile eggs should I just keep taking her eggs daily until she knocks it off???? Shes my only mature hen, but I've got 9 others that should start laying this month or next??

 

[chicks are life]

If you don't want babies then just take eggs away.you can buy fertile eggs.