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

[lizbeth]

Delilah is still broody and it seems that the more we try to snap her out of it the worse it gets. If we shut her out of the Eglu she just sits next to it. If we put a brick in the nest box she just sits next to that. We are getting her out and letting her free range twice a day to make sure she is eating etc. Last night we tried her in a cage. As soon as we put her in she went mad flapping and jumping around and banging herself against the sides of the cage. Please can someone let me know if this is normal? We took her out after only a couple of minutes as I was worried that she would hurt herself. Also, should she be kept in a broody cage all the time and how long for? Thanks so much, I never realised how difficult dealing with a broody is! x

[Budgies]

Sorry to hear that.

 

She will calm down once she realises she's in there for the duration. I'd cover the crate over the top so she feels safer - don't forget that their predators come mostly from above.

 

If necessary, cover the entire thing for a few minutes with a sheet or something, until she calms down)

 

She should be in there for three days and nights wiht a supply of food and water.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I agree, she will calm down after the initial tizzy. It does feel very cruel, I know, but it really does work if you keep her in it for 3 days and nights (or even less if you spot the signs early on). I used to put the whole cage plus hen into the shed at night to keep her warmer and safe.

[Egluntyne]

Using a broody cage is the quickest way of snapping her out of it. She won't like it, but will get used to it so why not try again?

 

Have a look at **this article**

[rabbitfluff]

A broody cage is the only thing that has worked for one of my girls who seems to be forever going broody. And she doesn't half make a fuss and flap about when she first goes in and at night time when she sees the other girls going off to bed. I found covering the cage about half an hour before bed time seemed to help. Mine has a habit of knocking her food and water all over the place when she gets flappy, so you just need to make sure these are kept topped up - I use the little coop cups so I can do it from the outside.

 

It does feel terrible putting them in there, but it really is for the best.