Will my broody hens die ?

[Trudi Higgins]

My broody hens are not drinking or eating - this is the third week they are on some fertilised eggs and I'm worried. I have put them apart from the other chickens in their own cage, I have put water and feed in it but they don't move. During the first two weeks they went out occasionally to drink and eat - but now they won't leave their eggs. I hope they wont die from starvation - is this normal folks?
Please help
Thanks
Trudi
SW France

 

[melissaG]

My broody hens are not drinking or eating - this is the third week they are on some fertilised eggs and I'm worried. I have put them apart from the other chickens in their own cage, I have put water and feed in it but they don't move. During the first two weeks they went out occasionally to drink and eat - but now they won't leave their eggs. I hope they wont die from starvation - is this normal folks?
Please help
Thanks
Trudi
SW France

Try not to fret too much. It is indeed normal, they've been doing this for eons. They just like to stress us enough to make us pull our feather out

 

[Sjisty]

If this is the third week, they may be hearing the chicks preparing to hatch and so they won't get off the nest until the chicks have hatched. They will be fine.

 

[Trudi Higgins]

Oh thank you I was so worried !!

 

[Trudi Higgins]

Try not to fret too much. It is indeed normal, they've been doing this for eons. They just like to stress us enough to make us pull our feather out

I'm bald already - no feathers left !!!! Expectant mum at 53!!

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Yes, perfectly Normal. They are probably getting ready if it is her 3rd week ( they hatch in 21 days ). Just leave them now and don't disturb her until the chicks have hatched and fluffed up.

 

[Trudi Higgins]

Yes, perfectly Normal. They are probably getting ready if it is her 3rd week ( they hatch in 21 days ). Just leave them now and don't disturb her until the chicks have hatched and fluffed up.

Thank you very much for your help