pulling feathers and "broody""

[blue52]

I have a question for all you chicken experts.. We have 6 buff Orpington chicken that just started laying in January..We have one girl thats is pulling her feathers out underneath her, and seems like is spending alot of time in the nesting box.. I assume she is being broody is that what is going on?? And also we were getting 6 eggs a day from them but now it seems like maybe 3 we get a day..Is there a time when they slack off?? And is because of the "broody" girl??? Thanks Kelley

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Yes it sounds like she's going broody. Hard to tell why you are getting less eggs. Could be because of the broody, maybe.
Could be laying elsewhere, lack of sufficient light, need more protein and/or calcium, egg eating, molting, or perfectly normal. It's not likely you will get 6 from 6 everyday. If they appear healthy I wouldn't worry about it. Good luck.

Imp

 

[blue52]

Thanks, so get over the being broody on there on then ??

 

[BarkerChickens]

Broody hens will pull the feathers on their abdomen out to help keep the eggs warm (eggs against the skin oppose to the feathers). Chickens will less eggs in the winter, but at this time of year production begins to increase. But, in young hens like yours, they are going to be laying well regardless, so if your production decreases, it could be because a) they are laying elsewhere, b) broody hens don't lay and/or c) health reasons such as mites. If your hen is staying in the nest and pulling feathers out she may be going broody. Broody hens also tend to growl or be a bit aggressive while in the nest as well (protecting the eggs).

edited to add: breaking a broody hen is difficult. If you don't want her to be broody, stick her in a dog kennel with no shavings or a wire bottom rabbit hutch (or similar). Something that will keep her abdomen cool. If she can't keep her abdomen warm, she won't want to be broody anymore.

Or let her hatch eggs...that is always fun to watch!!