Normal?

[The Angry Hen]

I have three blue Cochin hens.

One went broody but has no rooster...
She lay about 5 to 6 eggs...
I took them because I knew they couldn't hatch,
she has no eggs now but is still broody and she'll get up to eat and drink but goes back.

I know she is fine because she walks around.

Mean while I have a Salmon Faverolle
she is broody but I used the method to put golf balls under her so she doesn't peck the eggs.
I understand she has something under her but the Cochin doesn't even have golf balls.

She's a yr old...
Is this normal?

-The Angry Hen

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Broodiness is hormonal driven and unrelated to whether there is anything to brood. ...hens will gladly set empty nests if allowed. As brooding is teaching in a hen, if there is no hope of her efforts being fruitful it is better to"break" the broodiness so she'll return to normal behavior. There are many ways to do this (a quick search here in byc will allow you to read several), but o prefer a"broody buster"...simple wite bottomed cage that the hen is placed in for a period of time (I start with three days). Elevating the cage and not using bedding allows air flow under her and serves to cool her drive to brood, so only bird, feed and water go into this cage.

 

[The Angry Hen]

Thank you!

My Dad was worried 'bout her.
I am glad to know she's okay.

-The Angry Hen

 

[Mrs. K]

or you can wait a week or two, and slip some baby chicks under her at night in the dark. Nothing is more fun to watch than a hen with chicks.

Mrs K

 

[The Angry Hen]

Quote:

or you can wait a week or two, and slip some baby chicks under her at night in the dark. Nothing is more fun to watch than a hen with chicks.

Mrs K

Yes!

Normally we order the chicks,
but last year I watched one of my hens become a mother... Nothing Better!
We might try it.

Thanks,
-The Angry Hen

 

[Mrs. K]

often times this time of year, you can get them at the feed store.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Not sure where youre located but my local Blue Seal starts carrying chicks just after Easter.

 

[The Angry Hen]

Yes there is one around here too...

Thank you everybody for the advice!

I might try these ideas!

-TAH