very first broody hen!!! the others stopped laying?

[sonew123]

ok I searched through the search section and havent really found what Im looking for to stop my OCD mind. 4 days ago my BO 1 yr old hen ( in July) did not come out of the coop all day-I told my DH ahhh.I think cupcake went broody-he said-"whatever" youve thought that many times-but day 4 and she's still in there. Have not seen her come out at all. Of course I'm gone for 10 hours a day so maybe during the mid-day she does to poo and eat? Anyway-I am going to have to seperate her and move the "nest" and clutch of eggs. I tried to look under her today but..she growled at me and I expected that. I just wanted to count how many eggs she had under her. The other two hens that are with her have stopped laying eggs? Or They are still laying and she just keeps adding the eggs underneath her? Unless I sepearate her-the others will stop laying eggs right-for a little bit? I dont mind giving the girls a break. I was a little bummed today because it was the first time in 6 months I had to buy eggs to cook! ahhh...so is she stealing their eggs-or do they stop laying all together.??

 

[they'reHISchickens]

You need to find out how many are under her and determine whether the others are still laying in that nest. Additional eggs after she starts setting leads to extended hatchings-- not a good thing.

 

[needtohatch]

I have a feeling they are still laying and the eggs are ending up under your broody. Wait till dark then go check how many eggs she has under her and mark/number them so you will know what eggs are new the next day.
My extra room was/is full of chicks when my hen went broody so I ended up taking a watermellon crate (got at local grocery store) and put a piece of utility fence cut to size over the top for her. Just an idea if you need to seperate her.
Good luck!