Should you stop a hen being broody?

[chickenlover28]

I have a buff polish just like yours. Was scared when I first got her but now she's kind of a bully. Was thinking of moving her and another polish w the big birds.

 

[babyfoot]

I have a broody one right now, she's lost her chest feathers wants extra cuddles but then snarl at you if you go near her in the box and won't get out of the nesting boxes. It's too soon, she hasn't put weight on after winter (it's spring here). I have three days off a week so I collect the eggs a few times a day making sure there are never any under her then when it has passed laying time (around 3-4pm) I shut the nest boxes up and let them all out to free range, that usually gets her out and after a few days it breaks her cycle. She usually tries again a few weeks later and that will be fine as it's warming up now. She is very determined. And yeah mine favour certain boxes too, four or five hens where you can only fit two maybe, it is funny but the funniest is watching them all try to steal an egg that's just been laid. they even try to steal them from underneath each other

 

[lilypad]

I have a buff polish just like yours. Was scared when I first got her but now she's kind of a bully. Was thinking of moving her and another polish w the big birds.

I have quite a mixed flock) and everyone gets on you have to be careful with the Polish as they have a soft spot on their head and sometimes other hens pluck their bonnets, but mine can definitely hold her own. I also have extra levels in the run to allow her to get out of the way if she wants too, I'm sure once everything is settled she will be fine though

 

[lilypad]

I have a broody one right now, she's lost her chest feathers wants extra cuddles but then snarl at you if you go near her in the box and won't get out of the nesting boxes. It's too soon, she hasn't put weight on after winter (it's spring here). I have three days off a week so I collect the eggs a few times a day making sure there are never any under her then when it has passed laying time (around 3-4pm) I shut the nest boxes up and let them all out to free range, that usually gets her out and after a few days it breaks her cycle. She usually tries again a few weeks later and that will be fine as it's warming up now. She is very determined. And yeah mine favour certain boxes too, four or five hens where you can only fit two maybe, it is funny but the funniest is watching them all try to steal an egg that's just been laid. they even try to steal them from underneath each other

Ahaha aww bless her! She sounds like my welsummer, she just will not completely give up. Luckily my welsummer is now brooding in the corner of the coop and isn't taking up the nestbox, but she's never nasty so will happily let others lay with her (just wants their eggs haha!). I only have two nestboxes but I should definitely add some more now my younger hens have started laying. I was thinking of some that are raised off the floor, hopefully that will stop the squabbles!

When my welsummer and goldtop were broody in the same nestbox they would share brooding duties, when one went outside the other would take all her eggs and vice-versa, oh they are such funny little things

 

[chickenlover28]

The polish r on the fancy and grow out side. Was thinking of peningthem outside while the others r free ranging so they can see bit not hurt.

 

[lilypad]

The polish r on the fancy and grow out side. Was thinking of peningthem outside while the others r free ranging so they can see bit not hurt.

Yeah that's a good idea. My run splits in two she was in sight for a little while before being introduced

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Quote:
Yeah I love my rooster.
the hens are a bit flighty but my rooster ( I raised ) is so cuddly.
Look in my signature and you can see his whole life story ( it's great ).





Here he is currently.

How is it raising chickens in England? With all the rain and cold?
I used to love there and I LOVE England. So good and so many memories.
( I'm presuming you live in England, even though it says UK ).

 

[lilypad]

Oh he is just magnificent! Look at that comb and wattles! I will definitely read his story

I'm in northeast England The cold and rain doesn't bother me much, and the girls don't seem to mind. They have a big roofed run so they mainly avoid the bad weather, then I let them out when I'm gardening and can be with them the whole time (I'm way too worried about predators, we get a lot of foxes round here). I get woodchip from a local tree surgeon so their run stays nice and is super easy to clean up, I just don't like it when it gets to winter because I don't get to see them as much, they end up going to bed at about half 4

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Oh he is just magnificent! Look at that comb and wattles! I will definitely read his story

I'm in northeast England The cold and rain doesn't bother me much, and the girls don't seem to mind. They have a big roofed run so they mainly avoid the bad weather, then I let them out when I'm gardening and can be with them the whole time (I'm way too worried about predators, we get a lot of foxes round here). I get woodchip from a local tree surgeon so their run stays nice and is super easy to clean up, I just don't like it when it gets to winter because I don't get to see them as much, they end up going to bed at about half 4

Thanks.
I love the rain and cold.
Sounds like you have got their set up all sorted out.
Half past 4, that is very early.

 

[appps]

Man some of these breeds should come with a warning label LOL

Okay two new broodies today, it seems as soon as I cure one another takes their place - sigh.

One thing I am thinking seriously about trying is making a little triangle shaped cover for my vege garden (like a little mini chicken tractor) so that for the 3 days Ive got them off the nest I can at least have them scratching up my garden beds that arent in use yet.