- Jun 9, 2010
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Hi,
I'm a newbie to chickens, have four Buff Orpingtons that are about 7-8 months old.
About a month ago one of them went broody, at least that's what I assume. She parks herself in the nest box all day; I've been taking her out of the coop several times a day and depositing her in the run, where she sits for a minute - then usually immediately eats or drinks.
I don't know if she is still laying; there is often an egg under her but I don't know if its hers. The others will elbow in, and literally lay eggs right next to her (there are two nest boxes but I guess sometimes they have a preference.)I'm removing all eggs from the coop twice a day. If I shut everyone out of the coop for the last few hours of the day she starts acting like a "normal" chicken, but then goes right back to sitting the next day.
How long does a chicken usually stay broody, and should I do anything about this? I'm a bit worried she isn't getting enough to eat or drink, and her comb is paler than the other chickens.
thanks,
Frances
I'm a newbie to chickens, have four Buff Orpingtons that are about 7-8 months old.
About a month ago one of them went broody, at least that's what I assume. She parks herself in the nest box all day; I've been taking her out of the coop several times a day and depositing her in the run, where she sits for a minute - then usually immediately eats or drinks.
I don't know if she is still laying; there is often an egg under her but I don't know if its hers. The others will elbow in, and literally lay eggs right next to her (there are two nest boxes but I guess sometimes they have a preference.)I'm removing all eggs from the coop twice a day. If I shut everyone out of the coop for the last few hours of the day she starts acting like a "normal" chicken, but then goes right back to sitting the next day.
How long does a chicken usually stay broody, and should I do anything about this? I'm a bit worried she isn't getting enough to eat or drink, and her comb is paler than the other chickens.
thanks,
Frances