What to do with extreme broody.

[tadaen sylverma]

Wolfram, my bantam barred cochin has gone broody... big time, at least I think that's what this is. For the last 2 weeks she will not get out of that nest box. She hasn't died yet so shes obviously going out to eat / drink occasionally but always back to the box. There is no rooster and we collect the eggs every day. If I go in and toss her out into the run she stays out for awhile, soon as I leave ( I hid for a minute to watch ) back in the box! At first we thought she was sick or something but she just won't leave the box. She's staying in the box long enough to make a mess out of her hind end. I'm a touch worried but she seems perfectly fine otherwise.

Is there anything to do other than wait it out? It is fairly hot right now ( Tucson AZ 95+ right now ) could that explain it? The run is mostly covered so they are well shaded all day.

 

[Kelsie2290]

there is a nice article in the Learning Center that has some tips for discouraging them, https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/encouraging-or-discouraging-broodiness-in-your-hens I like to use the wire cage method mentioned, usually a wire dog crate, I like to put roosts in because the wire is usually spaced wide enough that they can't stand/sit on it comfortably (most dog crates seem to be around 1x4" spacing). and keep the crate elevated in the light in the middle of the coop/barn isle where thing are really busy, you want the hen to be bothered. For food and water I like to use small bowls I hang from the sides since some hens will sit in bowls on the floor. Some people like to put a fan under them also. You will probably want to keep her in it for at least a week, maybe longer since she is a Cochin and they can be stubborn.