4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[HENthusiastic]

My broody hen is starting to smell quite bad . Shes absolutly determined in her broodiness and isn't leaving the nest willingly ever! Ive been taking her out of the eglu and putting her into the run for about ten minutes in the evening and then again in the mornings. SHe has a little bit to eat and drink and a poo. There is no mess in the eglu at all. Not a single poo. The smell is definitely coming from her.

 

I put the dust bath in the eglu run today and she had a good bath. I'm ashamed to say, she hasn't had access to a dust bath since she went broody . I was so focused on making sure she ate and drank that I never thought about her dust bathing.

 

Is there anything wrong? Should she start to smell better now she has got her dust bath?

 

Any comments or tips greatfully accepted please! Bit worried

[bigmommasally]

How about putting some red mite powder in the nest box - it might help her smell sweeter.

[Budgies]

She should only come off the nest once a day , for around 20 minutes, during which time she would eat a little, drink a little and do a poop.

 

It's probably sensible to dust her for red mites as they're tenacious and broodys are like a magnet to the horrible things.

 

Sorry, I don't know if she'll smell better!!

[HENthusiastic]

I was just worried that she was eating so little. Thats why I started turfing her of for 10 minutes twice daily. Do people think thats the wrong thing to do?

The pong is really quite strong, poor darling.

[Egluntyne]

Once a day should be enough.

[HENthusiastic]

But what about the smell, Egluntine? Is that normal?

We wont have done any harm by taking her off twice a day will we???

[Egluntyne]

No I shouldn't think so.

 

Their poo has a distinctive foul smell when they are broody. Perhaps it has permeated everywhere.

[The Dogmother]

'smelly hen'

 

Have you inspected her Bum HEN? I am wondering whether she's got one of those horrid broody poos stuck to her knickers.

 

I have always popped a broody off the nest twice a day, on the recommendation of a good friend and veteran hen keeper. It's never done any harm.

 

Try popping some red mite powder in the dust bath.

 

Just a thought - what are you using for nesting material? It might be that, especially if you're using straw, which can get pretty rank.

[HENthusiastic]

Thanks guys. I'll put some red mite powder in her dust bath and I'll change the straw. Hope that makes her a bit fresher. It cant be nice for her. Is it normal for a broody to start smelling?

(One week to go! )

[Plum]

Sorry I'm a bit behind things, is she hatching some eggs?

[BarbaraJ]

i was wondering the same maybe dog crate her?

[HENthusiastic]

i was wondering the same maybe dog crate her?

Poooooor Henrietta!

 

She is indeed having some little babies! I have got some fertile eggs from a friend. 4 x pure breed (not sure what but they are black and white barred) and 2 x ex-battery hen crossed with Brahma (now to be known as Brah-batts!)

 

All males accounted for- they are going to a friend

 

Hatching is due next Wednesay

[The Dogmother]

I wouldn't have her on straw myself HEN - it gets all mouldy and smelly underneath and the chickies will trip up on it. Just Aubiose is fine.

[BarbaraJ]

i was wondering the same maybe dog crate her?

Poooooor Henrietta!

 

She is indeed having some little babies! I have got some fertile eggs from a friend. 4 x pure breed (not sure what but they are black and white barred) and 2 x ex-battery hen crossed with Brahma (now to be known as Brah-batts!)

 

All males accounted for- they are going to a friend

 

Hatching is due next Wednesay

 

lol sorry but thats what i was told to do with a broody hen and it worked

[jenniewren76]

congrats on the chick hatching I think it must be really exciting..can I ask a question what do people do when they hatch out cockeralls? how would you find out who would have them?

just curious

[mostin]

Hope your girl has started smelling a bit better . I'm counting down until next Weds for you .