Pooping old eggs after setting

[LocoPollo]

Last week I induced my hen to set by placing extra eggs in her nest along with hers. She sat on them immediately (thankfully!) and since doing so, has been pooping every day a large mass, which I assume is the eggs she no longer needs to lay. Does this always happen when a hen starts to set, or strictly a result of getting her to "prematurely" set?

 

[juliechick]

Hens that are setting always have a large poop because they have to hold it so long. I would assume that's what you're seeing, unless you can actually see an egg in the mess.

 

[LocoPollo]

Well actually it just looks like poop. It is just massive. You are probably right. I was just assuming because of the size. Thanks!

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Broody hens will set for days without pooing, that's why its so large and smelly! I always keep my broodies in a large dog crate, where they can feel safe getting up off their eggs to eat, drink and poo without making a mess on their eggs.

 

[LocoPollo]

Yes my hen has a whole three bird coup with 8 ft run all to herself. I locked her in so she would set, so now she has it all to herself! I suppose I could let some other birds in, but I figured i didnt want them to disturb her.