odd behavior

[mjgate]

One of my older hens (age unknown, but at least 3) will just sit in the nesting box 24/7 if I don't force her down so she'll eat and drink. When I put her on the ground she just sits there for a while, picks up dirt and leaves and throws them on her back. After a while she usually walks around the yard with the other hens for a little while displaying normal behavior before returning to the nesting box again. At first I thought she was dying and getting weak, but this has been going on for about 2 weeks now and she does not appear to be deteriorating. Anyone know what may be going on?

 

[Johnn]

She could be broody, Does she puff up at you when you go to the nest? Also has the plucked the feathers off her broody pouche??

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, mjgate, and

! Great to have you here! Sounds like a broody hen to me!

 

[drumstick diva]

think we all agree she is broody - that means she wants to sit on eggs and hatch them. Of course the eggs have to be fertile in order to hatch. Do you have a rooster in your flock? When a hen is broody you often have to put them in the run so they will eat, drink and relieve themselves. Othersise they don't want to budge. If you don't have fertile eggs for her this would be a good time to buy some and let her hatch them for you.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad you joined us!!

 

[sourland]

I too agree that you probably have a broody hen. Welcome to BYC.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I agree with the above. It sounds like you've got a broody there.