My broody is pooping in the nest!

[babsh]

Why isn't she getting up to poop? It's day 20. It doesn't look like she's left the nest for 2 days and it reeks! I lifted her a bit and saw she is just going right there on the nest. Her butts in the corner so at least it's not on top of the eggs, but isn't this going to be a problem when the chicks hatch??

Why is she doing that and what should I do?

TIA

Barb

 

[Chicken Woman]

They usually don't leave the nest the last few days just like when we incubate we don't open the bator from day 18 on to hold temp and humididty. if the humidity is lost the chicks will stick to the shell and shrink wrap.

 

[chickenlittle32]

Mine never leave the nest. They are very dedicated mothers. I have to pick them up and put them on the ground to use the bathroom. I have to feed them in the nest so they will get some food. And this is the whole time they are broody.

 

[babsh]

Quote:
I'm assuming they HAVE to defecate. So is it common practice for them to go in the nest itself? That seems problematic. Don't you end up with poopy chicks?

Barb

 

[babsh]

bumping this.

I'm worried the chicks are going to end up rolling around in mom's poo. Is it normal for her to do this? What should I do. Today is day 21. She's in a nest with a box over the top, so I cannot easily just reach in an clean it up. it's in the back corner and it's messy!

 

[chickenlittle32]

So, did any chicks hatch??!!

 

[babsh]

Quote:
Yep! 5 bouncing bundles of fluff.

Yesterday, we brought the entire nestbox inside, lifted the top and did our best to clean out the poop. This involved picking up momma a couple of times, but she's very docile and it went fine. I'm glad I did it cuz it really was a mess. There were multiple poops in there. Fortunately her butts in the corner so I was able to get at it fairly well and the chicks were so brand new they hadn't gotten into it.

There are still 3 eggs, so I'll wait and see if they hatch out.