need info...pronto please

[spook]

I have heard of people using the cage type dog/cat kennels, hanging them from the ceiling. Grateful for the topic, I have been wanting one of them to go broody, been such a long time since I've had biddies that this was a wonderful refresher talk! Thanks BYC!

 

[NYREDS]

It's a good idea to test her resolve before committing valuable eggs to a hen. Golf ball, fake eggs or a couple of real eggs will all work. [this time of year extra eggs isn't a problem here !!!] Let her set on these for 2-3 days. If she's still staying on the nest she's probably serious. It's best if a hen is isolated from other birds to keep them from laying in the same nest & possibly upsetting the broody hen. There's also the chance that the broody will go onto another nest if that's an option. If you have to move her it's best to do it at night.

 

[Myst4]

Quote:
Wow, that looks easy enough, but it looks a bit small...maybe it isn't. Should I keep it in the hen house and put it in the corner,away from everyone else? It's looks like a lil' cage. So the broody can get out when she wants? What should I put in for a water dish? I don't want to put in something that the babies will drown in. You are such a great help, thanks for your info.

 

[Myst4]

Quote:
My eggs are all free, they come from my chickens. So if I try her with some of them, it won't be a great loss(other than losing a couple of babies ) I am about to go check on her and collect eggs from my other hens. Also do a bit of barn work. I will be back on her later to let you know if she is still on that nest. Thanks for your advice too.

 

[ozark hen]

I did not put it over my hen until they were hatching or close to it. Then put a small waterer in there like you get at the feed store with marbles in it so the chicks don't fall into it and drown. I kept the hen inside that little "cage" for a couple weeks. She was fine. Cage/ corral is about 4 ft. wide and be sure to cover the top so she can't get out and the others can't get in. Then in few weeks or so prop something under the bottom edge so they can go in and out. Mother hen always squatted to get in and out but the other hens didn't bother.

 

[Myst4]

Quote:
So, does the cage have wire on the bottom as well? Would it be ok to put it inthe corner of the hen house? I really haven't anywhere else to put her. I could put a lot of hay in the bottom of it(for a nest) and put her in it at night. When she has been in it for a couple(before or after the chicks have hatched?) won't it be loaded with chicken feces? I'm hoping that I can make everything right for her. I don't want to upset her at all or stress her out. Can any low sided container work for a waterer? Wow...I'm getting nervous. I feel like she's my daughter and she's about to give birth.....deeeeeeep breath......in through the nose, out through the mouth.......haha. wow. I just checked again,and see that she is still on that nest.I put a bit of food in the nest with her this morning and when I went this time to check on her, it was gone.
I feel like my house and barn are birthing houses. My mini dachshund might be pregnant,my finches are building their nest,I have 12 chicken eggs incubating(on day 18 now) and now I'm pretty sure one of my hens has gone broody. Over whelming,to say the least! Thank goodness my cats have been spayed and neutered !!!!