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

[smithy36]

I think I may have a hen going broody... but she is only 23 weeks old...is this possible?? I thought that they were older ususally?

 

She is fluffed up in teh nesting box, she was there when i got in, which i thought was odd at 7pm! And when she had not come out by 8 i gently lifted her... to check no issues with the vent. She was keeping 5 eggs warm!! She growled at me and had a quick drink and snack and was back in before I could say "chicken in a basket!".

 

I have dunked her in cold water... seems cruel, but we go on holiday in teh morning and dont want to leave a problem for the hen sitter!!

 

a) is she broody or too young really?

b) should / could I do anything else to discourage her?

 

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Sarah

[Ain't Nobody Here]

It does sound like broodiness . Not much you can do unless the chicken sitter can help out by kicking her off the nestbox regularly . If the eggs are being collected regularly that will help but she'll probably still just sit there anyway. Other things to try are putting freezer packs (wrapped up) in the nestbox (not easy for a chicken sitter ) and shutting the eglu door if everyone has laid that day (again, not practical ).

 

How long are you away for? You'll just have to take action when you come back.