stuborn hen?

[Dina1964]

I have a hyline brown hen that just started laying about a month or so ago. The last 3 days she has refused to come out of the nesting box. I haven't found any eggs under her since she started doing this. If I pick her up and put her outside she will go eat and drink with the other 5 hens but won't do that unless I pick her up and move her out. I wouldn't think she is brooding but then I'm not sure.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If she continues to returns to the nest and sleeps in it overnight than she's broody.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Kinda sounds like she is broody.

 

[Dina1964]

Ok, yes she does return to the nest overnight and sleeps in it. Is there anything I need to do for a broody hen?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Ok, yes she does return to the nest overnight and sleeps in it. Is there anything I need to do for a broody hen?

Do you want her to hatch/brood chicks? Do you have eggs or chicks to give her?
If the brooding will be in vain is best to "break" her as brooding is pretty taxing in a hen, so if it's for naught better to spare her that

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally you need to put them in a wire bottomed crate for 3-5 days straight to break them from being broody.