My broody is in her fifth week!

[christineavatar]

My hen went broody about five weeks ago. At first I tried to discourage her. I put her in a crate with an open bottom to 'cool' her down but she hated it. So, after three days in there I let her out and she went back to brooding. I figured to just let it run it's cycle but there is no end in sight. What can be done?

 

[Elite Silkies]

I have 3 that have been broody for 2 months. The other pen I was able to break them by locking them out of the coop until about midnight then I let me back in.

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

You can sneak a few baby chicks under her at midnight? It worked for my Australorp, now's she's the happiest mama raising 2 babies.

 

[christineavatar]

Thank you both for your kind responses but my rooter was killed by a raccoon this winter and the new one isn't old enough to make babies as yet (although he looks like he'll be a good dad when the time comes). I don't have any babies to slip under her. The local feed shop stopped selling chicks a few months ago.

 

[DKM]

I have two hens that have been broody for at least two months! I finally put one in a cage by herself. She wanted out real bad so after one day I let her out. She went back to the nest but now when I open the top of the nest box she runs out! I don't think she is over it yet. So I put the other hen in the "broody jail" to see how it would work for her. I'm leaving her in longer I don't care if she likes it or not. We'll see if this works. I would like some eggs please!

 

[christineavatar]

I tried 'broody jail' but she wouldn't eat OR drink in there so I just let her out. I know she hates me now.

 

[Shunky]

My two bantom hens went broody around 5 weeks ago as well. We got them each a egg to sit on and they hatched one, then they quit being broody. That's how we solved it, hope that helps!

 

[babigyrl22]

Quote:
Try craigslist for your area. Maybe someone has day-olds or eggs your broody can sit on to make her happy.

 

[poseygrace]

Try putting an ice pack under her. It worked for me. You'll have to do it several times a day in this heat, but it was the only thing that broke mine after more than a week of trying. Good luck!