My hen stays in the coop ALL day..

[Noliebear]

I have 3 hens that are about 2 years old now. 1 of them stays in the coop most of the day. Sometimes she's setting on eggs and it seems like she is trying to hatch them even though there is no rooster in sight. The other 2 will roam around while she stays in the coop. Sometimes she will join the others, but for the most part she stays inside. I worry for her health and wonder if there is anything I can do. Her behavior has changed a lot... any advice would be a great help. Thanks!

 

[Mahonri]

Get her a rooster so you can have chicks?

 

[chookchick]

She's gone broody--her body is telling her to hatch eggs, and she'll try to hatch anything, even golfballs! Kick her off the nest anytime you can, close off the coop when they have laid for the day. She'll pitch a fit, but you should be able to break her spell in a few days.

 

[Noliebear]

Thanks for the advice I'll start tomorrow. What exactly does broody mean? I've heard the term used before.

 

[jeremy]

Quote:
That they're trying to hatch their "brood". Essentially their clutch of eggs.

I think...