Ladies and Gentlemen we may have a broody!!!

[Batty about Banties]

Broody hen

What are some sure tell tale signs?!

 

[banjoejoe4783]

if she is clucking and flering her feathers at you

 

[AKsmama]

One sure sign with my broody that hatched her first set of chicks this week was she plucked a brood patch- she plucked herself completely (and I mean really thoroughly) clean of feathers on her belly, where the eggs touched when she was sitting. That way the eggs get the full benefit of the heat and humidity of her body. I don't know if they all do that, but that sign, added to her clucking and flaring of feathers and adamant refusal to get off the nest for several hours clued me in pretty quickly.

 

[Batty about Banties]

False alarm I think.

come on hormones!!!

 

[hennyannie]

That is too bad, I loved the way you posted the announcement!

 

[ranchhand]

Broody hens sometimes like to have a couple of test runs before they really settle in.

Some signs are:
Staying in the nest most of the time, only getting off to eat, drink and poop, once or twice a day.
Growling, pecking and flaring the hackles at any human who messes with HER nest. I suggest leather gloves.
Generous usage of the dreaded "stinkeye".

 

[Batty about Banties]

She's in there again as I type... Would you assume going broody?

 

[spiritdance]

I've noticed that some of mine start burying their eggs in the bedding a few days ahead of time, too. Hiding them, I guess, from the "big, featherless chicken" that takes them away every day.

 

[ranchhand]

I'd watch, see how long she "sticks". If she goes up to the roost at night she's not there yet. If she stays on the nest and acts grumpy, yep, she's broody! I usually let Goldie, in my avatar, go 3-5 days before I decide she means it. She's on 5 eggs right now, not even an act of Congress will make her move.

 

[Batty about Banties]

Quote:
I have a small flock of 6 at the in laws and have noticed that sometimes there are two nests. One with the majority and one in another, mean anything? I collect everyday so they don't have a chance to add.