blot4 Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Having been a chicken owner for only a couple of months, we've just dealt with a first bout of broodiness from one of our lovely girls (the cold water bath did the trick). However, since bath day on Monday, our other chicken has also stopped laying, but isn't showing any signs of broodiness. She seems perfectly healthy otherwise - any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 what do you mean by bath day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 Morning! My girls went through a stage of not laying because of change in temperature outside, maybe it was to do with the bath? Sorry i wasn't such good help! Moll Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 Are you absolutely sure the first hen was broody? I'd be more concerned it could be something else, As one being off lay should not affect the other. If they are both not laying, when was the last time you wormed them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 Hi, what breed are your hens as some are more prone to going broody than others.As I understand it, and in my limited experience Hybrids very rarly go broody. Hasn't happened to mine in 5 years.But that's not to say they don't. I think Moll is possibly on the right track with the bath. I don't think Chickens enjoy being bathed and it would certainly cause them some stress, which could lead to them not laying. Hope it sorts itself out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 As I understand it, and in my limited experience Hybrids very rarly go broody. Hasn't happened to mine in 5 years.But that's not to say they don't. I've had hybrids since April...and one of them spent almost two months as an intermittent broody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-real-tinkerbell Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 my hybrid copper black has just hatched 4 chicks lol and is being a wonderfull mum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 One of my hybrids, a Speckledy was broody recently too. Sometimes a chicken will just not lay for a day or so. Just keep an eye on her for a couple of days. Sometimes my Black Rock lays softies and they get eaten, so it can seem as if she hasn't laid sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 oh and have a look at this thread. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=65059 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blot4 Posted August 14, 2010 Author Share Posted August 14, 2010 Thanks for the ideas everyone. I don't think I've got to the bottom of it yet though. Both girls are young and up to a couple of weeks ago were laying 5-6 eggs a week, all with good hard shells. Lily was definitely broody - she was firmly ensconced in the nesting box and very hard to shift, plus she was all fluffed up etc. I gave her a cold bath to try to get her out of it and it seemed to work (and I know I have to wait a few days for her to start laying again). It's my other chicken who has now gone on strike (I didn't bath her) and I can't think why. The only other thought I've had, is that I've changed their food - could that be it? Emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Yes Emily, changing food, houses, introducing new hens, baths are all things that may put them off stride for a while. I hope it settles again soon and you are back to lots of eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blot4 Posted August 14, 2010 Author Share Posted August 14, 2010 Thank you Chicken Bark. That's reassuring. Fingers crossed for lots more yummy eggs soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
