Problem with Cuckoo Maran hen

[laportlandia]

We have four hens in our "Chick'n Barn": two Silver Lace and two Cuckoo Maran. One Maran was pecked visciously by fierce Silver but has fully recovered and now lays one beautiful brown egg every day; her sister, NOT wounded, has for two weeks fluffed herself up and sits in one of the boxes. She has lost some weight but, when gently lifted from box, will drink, eat chopped greens and peck at dry food for two or three minutes before going back to her box. QUESTION: with no egg/s under this 14 mo.-old hen, is she brooding or what? Yes, all four have been dusted; all drink water carefully enhanced by a pinch of nutrient bought at an urban farm store. No predators. Yard is fenced. Folks who have coped with this behavior might find time to let us know when she will begin laying again and eating/drinking normally like her three sisters. Will check the Forum again this week. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR READING THIS and have a fine week!

 

[chicmom]

Yep, she is broody! You are right. Now, if you want to break her broodiness, then you should put her in a cage with food and water ONLY--no bedding or anything extra. She'll have to be caged for about three days, and you can then let her out to see what she does. If she's still broody, put her back in the cage for a few more days.

I have a BCM hen who is also broody. I haven't broken her and she's been that way for a few months now. Broodiness can last a long time.

Sharon

 

[sfchixn]

Sounds like your Marans hen has gone broody. You can either try to break her of it or let it run its course. No guarantee it'll end quickly without intervention.

 

[Sooner]

I would either break her or give her eggs because as long as she is broody she will sit & eat very little & loose weight.