Is this a sign of broodiness????

[Farm Frenzy]

Should I move mine? She's in with about 18 other famales, and one male, but they don't seem to be bothering her. I have 7 nest boxes in that one coop and the others just lay in the other boxes. but should I take her out anyways?

 

[I'vegotchickenfever]

Should I move mine? She's in with about 18 other famales, and one male, but they don't seem to be bothering her. I have 7 nest boxes in that one coop and the others just lay in the other boxes. but should I take her out anyways?

I don't have any broodies, but I'm trying to do my homework just in case

I was wondering about the 21 day cycle and when they stop laying, etc... I mean, if she was going to sit for 21 - 24 days, doesn't that mean she'd only have laid 3 or 4 eggs prior to setting? Or... are other hens laying so that she hatches those also, or does everyone ALWAYS save a few unwashed eggs, just in case? And, if she's in the coop w/ all the others and they may turn mean to the babies, when and where do you move the mama & nest to? ...and, will she continue to sit, or will everything be over due to the move? So many questions.

 

[Chef]

Well if I were you I would put her in her own little spot away from everyone. The other hens will keep laying eggs in that nest and she will end up with 15 eggs under her. They will usually lay about 3-6 eggs before they stop laying to sit on them, although like i said if there are more hens laying in that nest then she will grab those too. I moved my girl to a dog crate when she first started setting and she made a fuss but ended up getting right back on the eggs. I think they can handle about 4-5 eggs average maybe a few more. I put 6 under mine and 4 have hatched so far. Hope this helps a little. This is just my experience so I'm sure there will be more opinions. Good luck!


Chef

 

[chickie momma di]

Welcome to the world of broodiness!!!!!!!
If you want to hatch eggs/let her hatch eggs, you can "transplant" fertil eggs from another source and she will probably take to them. You only have so long to do this though.

We couldn't get our buff orph eggs until almost a week after she started (didn't realize what was goin on like yourself). She successfully hatched a chick and has been a great momma ever since. If you let her keep the chick be warned that at least temporarilly her attitude will change.

very protective but with a little understanding we are getting back to normal.
best wishes