chocchick Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Is it normal that when you pick them up off the nest they just go floppy and sit on the floor? Yep, we tried getting Su to stand by raising and lowering onto her feet but not very successfully, and she snubbed treats. They are quite trancelike, but cuddly Yes they stay in day and night and the holes in the basket allow air to circulate particulary underneath where they sit on the eggs and build up heat. I think we put the cage outside during the day, then brought in at night as I was worried about foxes and my huge cage wouldn't fit in the omlet run! The other chickens kept trying to get food out of the cage when they got the chance-opportunists We gave in and tried the broody cage after 3-4 weeks when it was clear she was not going to snap out of it and more importantly was still not eating. I bought a cage for a small dog (!) and turned it upside-down so there was mesh on the bottom, and we put roosting bars in so she wouldn't go straight through the holes I think I did actually feed layers mash with some treats (barley/fruit/veg?) and left out water. I think we built up a better relationship afterwards. She still didn't like being picked up, but could be herded/lured back into the pen. She did stand next to me and give me looks when I took eggs out of the nest for ages afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 My cage came with a removable plastic tray in the base, which I took out to get the air flowing and to let the poo go through. I was impressed with how quickly it worked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geb0205 Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Difficult creatures!! I only have a small wooden ark, so am loathed to seperate the 2 as I dont want difficulties re-introducing them... I suppose if I put her in a broody cage in the greenhouse, she will be dry, and Speck can roost with her at night, (I can shut the greenhouse up), would that be ok? for worrying so much... I am trying to stop myself from worrying she is ill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share Posted March 21, 2007 Babs is clearly a sandwich short of a picnic. Its freezing and she has gone broody again! Will be popping an ice pack in the nest box tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 I got a friend to build me a proper broody cage there is a picture link in the broodies sticky and it worked in two days I am happy to lend it if anyone wants to travel to fetch it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 22, 2007 Author Share Posted March 22, 2007 Er thanks Louise thats kind! Will pop in next time im in Scotland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 I did try the cooling them down by picking them up & then making them fly down to the ground a few times. I don't think that is cruel, and works for some if done early enough. But I do mean just let them flap down from waist height, not an actual throw! I think it just cools their underside a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
