Questions

[rosyposyosy]

I think I have a broody pullet. she constantly goes back to the nest(i take her out) and stays there, until she goes out, eats, poops.

these are the questions:

i was told that you can not potty train a chicken because they have no control over their bowel movements?
she does. she doesnt poop in the nesting box, she comes out to poop, and when she does, the poop is HUGE. like an hour of poop worth in one chunk.

how can a pullet control when to lay eggs? people cant...

 

[ncgnance]

I don't know why broody hens poop like that, but they do, and when they do, boy, does it stink! That's one way you can tell they're broody. I've never tried to potty train a chicken. I kinda doubt if you can. They're not real smart. Mine know that when I call them and shake the grain jar, that its time to go to the coop. One of my hens ignores it, but I think she's just dumber than the rest. But I do love and enjoy all of them.

 

[FrankBlissett]

"...how can a pullet control when to lay eggs? people cant..."

Sure they do!

When a woman's pregnant, she stops ovulating. Further, she often won't start ovulating till she's done breastfeeding full time.

Just like in chickens, it's hormonal.

-Frank

 

[rosyposyosy]

huh. i didnt think that chickens would stop laying eggs like that... i mean, she has no association with chicks, shes sitting on an empty nest, i dont have a rooster, no chicks... (except a 10 wk old but i dont think that counts)

weird. i guess cochins just have that motherly instinct.

 

[Dawn419]

Quote:
Cochins are known for being good broody hens.

Dawn

 

[rosyposyosy]

i locked them out of the coop... she made a nest and gathered puff balls (we have oaks) and was there. i then put her in the run, and shes made a nest in straw.


how do you stop a determined broody?

 

[robin416]

Just don't worry about it. Her hormones have kicked in and told her its time to hatch eggs. You'll drive yourself nuts trying to overcome the power of her hormones. After she's been broody a while then you can try relocating her to see if you can bring her out of it.