We have had 3 warm days in Virginia, and one my 10 month old Buff Orpingtons went broody. She's determined. Normally, I wouldn't mind letting them hatch, but I have an incubator full of eggs and their brooder (in my run) is the only isolated area I have to move her to, so that's out.
What I've done so far. It's been two days. I booted her out Sunday evening and closed the door to the nesting area. She free ranged and roosted with the others that night. About 11 Monday morning, she went back to the nest for the day. My wife got home that evening and put a frozen water bottle under her. She sat on it, shivering, until my wife gave in and removed her from the nest again, closing the nesting area door. She, once again, went back to the others and roosted with them. 9:00 this morning, she's back on the nest. Rinse. Repeat. I don't have a wire dog cage, but could get one if that's the only option. Are there any other things to try? I thought that once they gave up and roosted with the others, that meant she was good to go. . I've never dealt with a broody hen before, so any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
What I've done so far. It's been two days. I booted her out Sunday evening and closed the door to the nesting area. She free ranged and roosted with the others that night. About 11 Monday morning, she went back to the nest for the day. My wife got home that evening and put a frozen water bottle under her. She sat on it, shivering, until my wife gave in and removed her from the nest again, closing the nesting area door. She, once again, went back to the others and roosted with them. 9:00 this morning, she's back on the nest. Rinse. Repeat. I don't have a wire dog cage, but could get one if that's the only option. Are there any other things to try? I thought that once they gave up and roosted with the others, that meant she was good to go. . I've never dealt with a broody hen before, so any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.