Newbie--Broody hen or sick?

[waghmg]

Well, we've had our chickens less than 2 weeks and have ANOTHER crisis. Last week our RIR that was pecked bloody by our barred rock girls we took out, put her in another pin. She has seemed happy and healthy, healing up from her trauma. All this time we have gotten NO EGGS from any of the 3 girls.

Now...noticed yesterday the RIR was starting to spend more time in her coop. But got her out to free range late afternoon, no problems, scratched around, ate bugs, etc. Went to roost for the night. This morning I saw her out of the coop one time. Then she spent the rest of the day in her coop sitting on the bedding. Not responding how she usually does. Her poop looks fine. Eyes still look bright, etc. We did start noticing over the last couple of days more and more loose feathers in her range area and in her coop. Does not seem thrilled that we are giving her any attention. Not as interested in food, water, etc. Even got a little bit testy when my daughter got her out to free range but all she does is walk slowly then stand in the same spot most of the time.

That's all the details pretty much. I was afraid she might be sick but then read more about being broody. She seems to fit the criteria. Again, though, she has laid no eggs.

Anyone think she could be broody? If so, should I just restrict her from her coop?

Any info would be appreciated.

Holly

 

[schellie69]

With the missing feathers and sitting in the nest I would think there is a good chance she is broody see if she sleeps in the nest box that is how I knew my hen was broody.

 

[ralleia]

If the chicken is broody she will:

1) sit on a nest box, on eggs or fake eggs
2) when you get near her, she will growl, fluff her feathers, or bite (or a combination of the three)
3) usually she will tear out her own breast feathers