Is my lady lonely?

[beejay86]

I have 12 hens but one is always in the nest trying to hatch an egg. I feel bad for her. She is always there when I go down to the coop. Is she trying to have a baby, lonely, anti-social, or what???? She seems healthy. Strange behavior indeed. Thanks for the help. -Brian.

 

[Poison Ivy]

She is broody and wants to hatch her some babies.

 

[bigzio]

Brian, consider yourself lucky to have a broody hen. Some folks would love to have one. It is almost like a bear in hibernation.... she will have that stare that tells you she is indeed broody.

bigzio

 

[beejay86]

OK, so I suppose it's ok to reach under her and take her baby? That's how
I've been doing it and she hasn't chased me out of there yet! Poor thing.....

 

[Poison Ivy]

I had one rir go broody it took 2 weeks to break her of it. Just collect the eggs daily unless you have a roo and want her to hatch some babies. More chickens is a good thing! lol

 

[beejay86]

Guys- she's been in there for 2-3 weeks now and won't come out. She literally sits in the nest 24/7. Is this normal and what should I do?? Thanks.

 

[justusnak]

Beejay. Do you have a rooster? Maybe you can let her have one egg to hatch. If the eggs are not fertile...then just keep taking the egg...and maybe lift her out, set her in the yard. She needs to break the "broody fever" Dont give her any feed with corn...that raises her temp..and keeps her broody. Entice her out into the yard with some watermelon, or her favorite treat. Good luck with her. She is getting feed and water tho.....right???

 

[farmgirl2477]

It takes 21 days for eggs to hatch, so right there is 3 weeks. Since hens dont have a calendar near by, 21 days isnt an automaic thing even if they dont have eggs. Ive had hens sit for about a month!! Ive tried everything, but havent had anyh luck. Silkies and Cochins just live to be mammas!!

A broody hen will only come off the nest once a day to eat, drink and poo. Other then that she just sits there looking half asleep. Some things you can try to break her are pulling her off the nest constantly. Giving them treats once you throw her off. Try dipping her in water (make sure its warm enough!!) Try placing ice cubes in her nest. or placing her in a wire bottom cage where air can circulate below her.

Ive never had any luck, but you may. Btw, what kind of hen is she?

Good luck,
Shannon

 

[beejay86]

Thanks for all the good information. She is a Black Australorp. I have 3 of the same, but only one is broody. Some days there is no egg under her and I do not have a rooster. I will try to break her of the habit by placing her in the yard and see if that works. I'm assuming she's getting enough food and water. Thanks again. -Brian.

 

[joannamarie]

sorry to barge your post but when mine went broody she didnt even get off the nest to poop eat or drink i had to move them near her, so you may have to watch that yours is. i got fertilised eggs this time but ill have to try the cage thing when she goes broody again see if it works