redhotchick Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Hi All, I'm sure it will depend on individual hens, but I'll ask anyway. My Bella was full on broody for 2 weeks, no eggs, and I had to push her off the nest whenever I could. For the past week she has been out and about and much more like her normal self, but still no eggs. Has anyone had a similar experience? if so, any ideas how long before Bella is likely to lay again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Mine will generally stop laying for 8-9 days from start of being broody to next egg.I do try to get her (its always one particular hen) into the broody crate soon as i can for a few days to minimise egg loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 A broody hen in nature would sit on the eggs for three weeks, then look after the chicks, and during this time would not lay any eggs. My broody hen who sat on eggs fruitlessly went another three weeks without laying an egg. I imagine if you force them out of being broody, the eggs will come faster. But they hardly eat anything when they are broody, and need to get their strength back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted August 11, 2008 Author Share Posted August 11, 2008 Thanks for answers above. It makes sense really that in theory there would be a gap while she looked after phantom chicks. Bless. I used to have a dog that had "phantom litters" I guess it is similar. I managed to get Bella to eat mixed corn and sweetcorn in lots of water, to try and keep her hydrated and keep her strength up. She's a robust thing anyway, luckily. I guess I'll just have to wait it out, and meanwhile line up a broody cage, there's bound to be a next time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Molly went broody on 21 July and stopped laying the same time as we went away for 10 days. When we came back I put her in the broody cage for 3 days and nights. She came out of the cage last Monday and laid her first egg today . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted August 12, 2008 Author Share Posted August 12, 2008 Yay! Bella laid an egg today! It was a 56g egg. Tiny next to Dolce's 77g egg! A lovely surprise tonight though. I started them both on a course of Flubenvet last night. So it may have been that or the porridgy mix I gave them the Fluenvet in! Or it could just be a coincidence! I'm a bit concerned that Dolce is starting to take a bit too much interest in the nesting box I really must order that broody cage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
