Help! We noticed that one of our 26 week old Buff Orps is going broody. She initially started sleeping in the nesting box and now she's taking up permanent residency there. to the point that the other 2 hens have to go in and squeeze in the box to lay. She won't move! We push her out and she's right back in there, all puffed up and broody. I've read about the cage idea to lower her temperature, should I keep her outside in the run? The coop isn't that big (4'x4') Should I provide another nesting box for the other 2 and let her go? Any input is appreciated! here's a picture of 3 chicks-in-a-box!
You could provide another nest box, but they probably wouldn't even use it. If you want her to sit, I would just leave things as they are, mark the eggs you want her to hatch and remove any unmarked eggs everyday. If they aren't fighting in the box and she isn't getting upset and trying to run them out, they'll likely be fine as they are. If you don't want her to sit, then break her. The cage method is a good one, its worked for me. Put it wherever you'd like, as long as its predator safe. If you put her outside, you'll want to protect her from the rain and sun and keep things from get too drafty.