Stubborn Cornish hen broody again after only 10 eggs, tips to break her?

[Moroseta]

Hi everyone,

I have a Cornish hen that is driving me a bit crazy with her broodiness. She has been a wonderful mother twice already and was very successful at raising her chicks. She’s truly great at it!

Now that winter is ending, she has finally started laying again. However, after laying only about 10 eggs, she has already started sitting on the nest again. I know her pattern: she lays a small clutch and then immediately goes broody. Once she’s done raising chicks, she repeats the cycle, 10-15 more eggs and she’s back on the nest.

I don’t want any more chicks for the time being and I’d like to break this cycle so she can focus on laying for a while. She is very determined and stubborn once she sets her mind to it.

What is the most effective way to "break" a broody hen with such a strong maternal instinct?

Thanks for your help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's a pretty normal cycle for a determined broody hen. I break mine by penning them away from their chosen site for 3-5 days. Stubborn ones may require a wire bottom crate to cool off their bottoms. Provide a roost and feed, and water. Repeat as necessary. I find some are most broody during their first few laying seasons than they generally stop.