Oh no I’ve got a broody hen what do I need to do?

[Chicken-lovebirdchihuahua]

hello the reason the title says oh no is because I just recently hatched some chicken eggs and of course now is when professor snow feathers decides to go broody so I’ve hatched eggs before but always in an incubator so I have no clue what to do with a broody I gave her some food and water in the coop but I can’t close it off because my hens lay in there and sleep in there also if you know any good articles about helping broody hens I would be delighted to see it! Thanks

 

[kokosmom2]

I have the same thing with a Buff Orpington. I found this thread yesterday and read all the way thru. It was very helpful
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-break-a-broody-hen.181289/page-117

 

[Chicken-lovebirdchihuahua]

I have the same thing with a Buff Orpington. I found this thread yesterday and read all the way thru. It was very helpful
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-break-a-broody-hen.181289/page-117

thanks so much! Can’t wait to read it

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

Give her eggs. Mark the eggs with a pencil so you know they’re hers. Since you have no where else to put her you’ll have to remove the eggs layed by the other hens. You’ll also have to get mite drops/ DE to prevent her and the nest from getting infested with mites. You can also put herbs such as levender around the nest to prevent mites. This is the time of the year for those little pests. Other then that the broody does everything. She’s an incubator and a brooder at the same time. You won’t have to interfere with her at all, except for when you’re collecting the other eggs of course. Make sure you collect the other hens eggs daily or else you’ll end up with a staggered hatch.

Here’s a photo of my broody RIR hen, she’s sitting on 12 Brahma eggs. It’s day 10 today.

You’ll also notice that there’s no feathers on her belly. Which is completely normal, they do this so the eggs have full contact with their skin for humidity.

 

[Chicken-lovebirdchihuahua]

Thanks so much that helped me a lot

Give her eggs. Mark the eggs with a pencil so you know they’re hers. Since you have no where else to put her you’ll have to remove the eggs layed by the other hens. You’ll also have to get mite drops/ DE to prevent her and the nest from getting infested with mites. You can also put herbs such as levender around the nest to prevent mites. This is the time of the year for those little pests. Other then that the broody does everything. She’s an incubator and a brooder at the same time. You won’t have to interfere with her at all, except for when you’re collecting the other eggs of course. Make sure you collect the other hens eggs daily or else you’ll end up with a staggered hatch.

Here’s a photo of my broody RIR hen, she’s sitting on 12 Brahma eggs. It’s day 10 today.
View attachment 1387405

You’ll also notice that there’s no feathers on her belly. Which is completely normal, they do this so the eggs have full contact with their skin for humidity.

 

[MIChickandGuinea]

Give her eggs. Mark the eggs with a pencil so you know they’re hers. Since you have no where else to put her you’ll have to remove the eggs layed by the other hens. You’ll also have to get mite drops/ DE to prevent her and the nest from getting infested with mites. You can also put herbs such as levender around the nest to prevent mites. This is the time of the year for those little pests. Other then that the broody does everything. She’s an incubator and a brooder at the same time. You won’t have to interfere with her at all, except for when you’re collecting the other eggs of course. Make sure you collect the other hens eggs daily or else you’ll end up with a staggered hatch.

Here’s a photo of my broody RIR hen, she’s sitting on 12 Brahma eggs. It’s day 10 today.
View attachment 1387405

You’ll also notice that there’s no feathers on her belly. Which is completely normal, they do this so the eggs have full contact with their skin for humidity.

I have the same - a chicken who has been broody for ... like 3 weeks now. She's starting to hop down out of her nest box and play in the yard a little just the past few days before she returns to her box. I didn't know I needed to do anything to break the broody - just thought she would get over it in a little while. I thought about getting her a couple of hatchable eggs, but ... just didn't get around to it. And we don't much need more full-size chickens right now either. We want to rejuvenate our laying flock next year, but don't really need anyone this year.
Is it a good sign that she's coming out sometimes? Do I actually NEED to break her broody pattern? Or is it OK to just wait it out?

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

I have the same - a chicken who has been broody for ... like 3 weeks now. She's starting to hop down out of her nest box and play in the yard a little just the past few days before she returns to her box. I didn't know I needed to do anything to break the broody - just thought she would get over it in a little while. I thought about getting her a couple of hatchable eggs, but ... just didn't get around to it. And we don't much need more full-size chickens right now either. We want to rejuvenate our laying flock next year, but don't really need anyone this year.
Is it a good sign that she's coming out sometimes? Do I actually NEED to break her broody pattern? Or is it OK to just wait it out?

I would break her if i were you. As you say she’s spent 3 weeks on the nest which is the normal amount of time for chicks to hatch. Even though she’s starting to get off the nest more now it would still be effecting her health as broodies cut down on the amount of food and drink they get. Have you tried dunking her in ice cold water ? If that doesn’t work put her in a dog crate outside for 2 days.

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

 

[Chicken-lovebirdchihuahua]

Give her eggs. Mark the eggs with a pencil so you know they’re hers. Since you have no where else to put her you’ll have to remove the eggs layed by the other hens. You’ll also have to get mite drops/ DE to prevent her and the nest from getting infested with mites. You can also put herbs such as levender around the nest to prevent mites. This is the time of the year for those little pests. Other then that the broody does everything. She’s an incubator and a brooder at the same time. You won’t have to interfere with her at all, except for when you’re collecting the other eggs of course. Make sure you collect the other hens eggs daily or else you’ll end up with a staggered hatch.

Here’s a photo of my broody RIR hen, she’s sitting on 12 Brahma eggs. It’s day 10 today.
View attachment 1387405

You’ll also notice that there’s no feathers on her belly. Which is completely normal, they do this so the eggs have full contact with their skin for humidity.

How do I apply mite drops

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

How do I apply mite drops

Did you get them from your local vet ? Are they for chickens ? If so, put a few drops on her skin between her neck and her back. Here’s a video that will demonstrate it to you.