Young flock broody hen

[Crowley69]

Hello all I have a mixed flock of Wyandotte pendeseneca and Americana. Rooster is gold sealink. They are about 24 weeks ago they all started laying around 20 weeks. The egg size is still medium and rarely the Wyandotte lay a large egg. The penedeseneca has gone broody and I move her and collected eggs for two days. She has sat all day today on the third day of laying. I have no problem letting her stay broody as I have another coop I can place her in. My question is with the egg size being small still will it impact birth rates or should I just try to break her and try another time?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I won't let young hens (pullets) brood... they are still growing themselves. Their body still filling in. Their mind still maturing. They haven't reached their mature body weight yet. To me it's a tax they can't afford to pay. But it's a personal choice many people do and some successfully.

Brooding is a wonderful experience! But she WILL go broody again, if you decide to break her. That's what I would do. Especially verses isolating her from the flock and then trying to integrate her back in.

Some people use elevated wire bottom kennels called broody breakers. No bedding so they can't nest. I use an open bottom pen or just lock them to another pasture if it's safe.

She will also have an easier time sitting and raising when her flock mates are more mature... teenagers are the WORST in any species.

If you let her sit... you need a plan for the extra cockerels you will hatch.

Best wishes!