Will hens peck when one tries to take their eggs?

[MeepBeep]

What is the best way to collect eggs from a broody hen?  Do you use gloves?

Some people use a large whisk, just push it under the bird and the egg will pop into the whisk for removal...

I personally use a pasta fork/spoon, and just scoop the eggs out...

 

[Bernadine503]

Some people use a large whisk, just push it under the bird and the egg will pop into the whisk for removal...



I personally use a pasta fork/spoon, and just scoop the eggs out...

Excellent! I love the idea of a Pasta spoon! Why Didn't I think of that? LOL!

 

[Peeps61]

I try not to bother my hens when they are laying. I find that a late evening retrieval for eggs works great. Now, if I NEED to get the eggs for some reason, I have certain breeds I can reach under and others that I can't, so I've learned for the ones that I know will peck to reach in at an angle that is difficult for them to reach properly. Then, I can usually get the egg(s) before they can get situated to peck me. If they do manage to get a peck it, I thump them back with my finger, and many have learned not to peck me when I reach under them. Chickens are pretty smart, and if you assert yourself, they typically will accept you as a dominant figure. (I'm talking pullets here, not roosters). Strangely, my Orphingtons are prone to peck and my more aggressive RIR are not.

Broody hens. They will bow up and growl like crazy! However, I have picked my broody up off of a clutch of infertile eggs laid that day and simply tossed her out of the coop. She'll sit for a minute, then generally go eat and drink, then come back to the nest, which I have emptied out by then. Broody hens can be hilarious at the way they puff up and growl at you! You'll know it when you see it and hear it.

 

[GitaBooks]

The whisk and pasta spoon are great ideas!

I usually just use a towel or gloves.

 

[Bernadine503]

I used a pasta spoon and it worked like a charm. I faced the curved side up and it helped lift my Silkie hen up while I pulled the egg out, and check for other eggs.

 

[Blooie]

I'm doggone sure gonna remember the pasta spoon trick. When Agatha goes broody she goes from Sweet Agatha to Attila the Hen. I put on gauntlets, chain mail, a helmet and grab a sword if I have to go near her nest - and even then I count my fingers to make sure I'm going out of the coop with the same number I had going in.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I use my coffee can feed scoop and put it over their heads while I frisk them for eggs, most of mine have learned to take the indignity of it.

 

[Blooie]

I use my coffee can feed scoop and put it over their heads while I frisk them for eggs, most of mine have learned to take the indignity of it.

Hmmmm Can I do that long distance? Attlila knows when I'm coming out and she is in attack mode before I get the coop door open. <Sigh>

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hmmmm  Can I do that long distance?  Attlila knows when I'm coming out and she is in attack mode before I get the coop door open.  <Sigh>  

the only ones I can't do it to is my crazy polish and my appenzellers, they fly at my head when ever they see me coming, I prefer my Orpingtons.