My broody hen is not leaving the nest

[Lobzi]

I am a little worried about my broody hen. I scared her off the nest, accidentally while cleaning, the first few days she began sitting. I now am glad I did because at least she ate and pooed before going back. I was more careful in my cleaning of the coop the last two mornings and did NOT scare her off the nest. I felt better about that at the time. Now I am worried because I am not seeing the tell-tale sign of the giant poo blob indicating she left the nest at any time during the day. Im so worried that she is not eating nor drinking. Should I be concerned? I could scare her off the nest but Im afraid in her haste to get off she will break her eggs.
Any advice on how I should handle this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lilywater101]

I would say just leave her alone for a while, she knows when to get up to do her "business" but if not then try to scare her into eating and pooping!

Just wait it out and be patient, I would not worry too much.

 

[Lobzi]

My dad was raised on a farm and that is what he said.... that she knows what to do.
Thank you for seconding his opinion. I know there is a lot of expertise on BYC so I wanted to ask you guys and gals too!

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Just let her be, she will get up and eat and drink and whatever when she needs too.

 

[KattyKillFish]

i agree. she knows what she's doing. she'll get up when she feels that she needs to. good luck!

 

[jay1995]

She will eventually get hungry and thirsty. And she wont let her self get backed up. LOL Goodluck, -Jay

 

[Lobzi]

Thank you all for responding. I tried to talk her into coming out this morning and she looked like she might have been sleeping. I read in another thread that broodies go into a trance while sitting on the eggs. I guess she was sweetly dreaming of motherhood. I sure hope so!

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
Remember if in doubt, DAD is RIGHT, dads are one of the smartest creatures ever created.

She will eventually get up, you may want to try giving her some treats in the nest box, just to get the process moving, if its going in it has to come out.

and you better bring nose plug and shovel

 

[Lobzi]

Well when I got home from work yesterday I found the huge tell-tail lump of poo so I know she finally left the nest for a bit. Today when I cleaned the coop I tried putting a little dish of meal worms in with her in the nest box and when I went out to close them all up and leave for work, the dish was empty. I'm so glad she seems to be eating and stretching a little bit at least.

 

[92caddy]

Ive had hens stay on the nest for 2 or 3 days before getting off to eat, drink and poo. Like everyone has said, she'll be fine, she knows what she is doing. Good luck............