HENthusiastic Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 How about putting some red mite powder in the nest box - it might help her smell sweeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 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!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Once a day should be enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 But what about the smell, Egluntine? Is that normal? We wont have done any harm by taking her off twice a day will we??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 No I shouldn't think so. Their poo has a distinctive foul smell when they are broody. Perhaps it has permeated everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 '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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 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! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Sorry I'm a bit behind things, is she hatching some eggs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 i was wondering the same maybe dog crate her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenniewren76 Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hope your girl has started smelling a bit better . I'm counting down until next Weds for you . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
