3happyhens Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 We have 3 hens & our Gingernut Ranger last laid an egg on 18 May when she became broody. We let her free range with the other two & keep the door into the Eglu coop shut all day after the other two have laid to stop her sitting on the nesting box all the time. 3 weeks on & there doesn't seem an end to it And she is almost "oven ready" round her tummy as she's pulled out so many feathers into the nest! Don't fancy dunking her into cold water as that seems really mean. How much longer will this last? Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Dunking her in cold water won't do her any harm at this time of year. Article about dealing with broody hens **here** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgregson Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I've got a broody hen too so I think I'm going to have to do the cold water dunking as have tried closing the eglu door etc but to no avail. I'm going to ask ridiculous question now, but once she's in the water how long does she have to stay in it? Is it a few mins or is it a quick in and out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kittycat Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I tried the dunking in water, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day , and 'swished' Treacle around in there for a good minute or so to make sure she had a good dowsing, but she actually seemed to quite enjoy it and was found on the nest box again about 10 minutes later, still broody (if a little damp) However, being locked out of the eglu in torrential rain all day on Saturday (bar the scant shelter provided by some garden shrubs) seems to have had the desired effect Of course, it could just be coincidence, but I think the cooler weather has helped her snap out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoebe Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I'd agree the weather has helped. My Joseph (yes she is a girl) spent all Friday and Saturday on the nest, all puffed up, but pushing her off it and substituting a couple of house bricks for the eggs seems to have worked a treat ! I think if the weather had stayed warm, it might have been much harder to keep her out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sugarspice Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 when will a broody chicken come back into lay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
