One of my hens is nesting ALL DAY. I don't think she's sick, she just wants to be in the nest all day. She has no other weird symptoms. I've forced her out of the coop and she runs around like normal then she heads back to the coop. I am REALLY worried, but should I be? Is this normal? By the way, I don't have a rooster. Also, is it neglectful and cruel to not have any grass for my hens? When it started growing back this Spring, they ate it all down and now I have none. What can I pacify them with? They just seem sooo bored and want in to other parts of my yard that where they can't go. They have the WHOLE backyard to themselves! I just feel sorry for them cause whenever I go back there they come running. I think they just want a rooster, which I can't have. Any input on any of this would be so helpful!! Thanks!
She sounds broody to me, search broody & toys for stuff for them to stay busy with, some people hang food like cabbage, or dig up a patch of grass & throw it in....By the way, welcome to the forum.....others will be by shortly.....
Yep, sounds like a broody..... As far as what you can do for the hens, Give them lawn trimmings when you mow yard. A nice layer of fallen leaves-last year's is fine. They'll just scratch them around and break them up Place boards and or rocks in their yard and turn over every now and again so chickens can get at the bugs underneath. For the next two be sure not to use "seeds" intended for growing in the garden, as many have been treated........ Sow seeds in their yard- knowing full good and well the birds will eat it before it grows. Works real nice with the layer of leaves. Sprout seeds in your house if it's too cold outside. (I bought a bag of whole corn for our birds this past winter.) .....