Young hen appears to have gone broody first time

[BeakSanctuary]

I've been seeing my turken hen on the same nest for the last couple days and I kind of thought, until today, it was coincidence but now I'm thinking she's setting. Kind of pointless in VA this time of year, no? Seems the eggs have probably gotten cold to the point of being unable to hatch no matter what, but maybe I'm not informed? Are there other hens out there in near freezing weather in BYC-land setting?

 

[scgamecock]

She can do it but it may take an extra day or so to hatch.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I have a hen that is setting, due December 4th. So yes, there are crazy hens everywhere!

 

[BeakSanctuary]

Wow! Now that, to me, would be a miracle. I feel sorry for her for trying, but I guess I shouldn't as it's only a natural instinct. Thanks for the input, scgamecock. This is my first possibly broody hen and it's exciting and rather difficult to imagine.

 

[BeakSanctuary]

OK, shelleyd2008. That gives me an idea - at some point, if she doesn't stop, I'd better be able to guess when the eggs could hatch.

 

[scgamecock]

Does she have eggs under her now?

 

[BeakSanctuary]

Yes, she sure does.

 

[scgamecock]

I would mark them with a permanent marker so you can tell if any fresh one's are laid.Also try to remember when she started setting and mark it on the calendar.

 

[chickorama]

Our broody hen is sitting on unfertilized eggs, and will peck you mercilessly if you try to get them. Whenever a chicken lays an egg, she pushes it under her with her beak. We have seen her at it, and it is SO cute!!!

 

[BeakSanctuary]

I guess if you're recommending that I mark the eggs, that alone wouldn't usually be a significant enough intrusion to cause her to give up? I was afraid to check even what she's sitting on, though I do know there are eggs in there, just don't know how many.