2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[soapdragon]

Casserole has been broody now for just over 3 weeks and shows no signs of getting back to normal. I have tried putting a big tupperware container upside down over the Eglu nestbox but she either sits on top of it or settles on the bars. I can't shut her out as Kiev is still laying and Korma gave up brooding about a week ago and so I hope she will start laying again soon?!

 

I keep throwing Casserole out of the nestbox but she just gets straight back in again. An open bottomed pen is not an option so I guess I'll just have to wait it out (although I do intend to dunk her regulally this weekend if no improvement.) She is the stronger character of the three, very opinionated and bossy; I think she suffers from Irritable Fowl Syndrome.

 

What I can't get my mind round is that, when I hoof her out of the nestbox and put her on the grass, she spends 5 mins or so picking up any sticks, bits of debris near her and throwing them over her shoulder onto her back!!! WHHAAAT!

 

Has anyone any idea what she is dong and why!? Its probably not important but I'd love to know!!!

 

Thanks

Casserole

Korma

Kiev

[cluckbok]

She just sounds like she's despirately trying to make a nest wherever she can once you've hoofed her out and we love the name "Casserole" ! I think we've got all this to come!

[quickcluck]

Can you not put her in a cage? It get's it over with much, much faster!

[mollyripkim]

I think I'm going to resort to the cage this weekend as I have a persistent broody, two weeks now, have tried shutting her out all day to which she is not happy about. Now today gertie spent a lot of time on the nest so I am going to be firm and hopefully stop it before she really gets started. Being silkies don,t think I ought to try water though would like hear if anyone else has done this with success with silkies?

[soapdragon]

I have heard that a cage is the best option but we don't have one and money is a bIt tight!! Also she would make a horrible racket and I don't want to upset the neighbours (no complaints so far but I fear it won't be long!!)

 

Its the bucket of cold water this weekend, if theres no improvement though! Interestingly, her sister Korma was only broody for about 2 weeks but I am hoping that Casserole will snap out of it naturally after a month so maybe only another week to go! Any ideas on how often I should dunk and does she go in up to her neck or just the nether regions? Do I need to dry her or will she be fine?

 

It would be good if Casserole is back to normal before Kiev starts - its bad enough having the terrible trio wreck the garden but we are not even getting many eggs to compensate! Its just typical that its Casserole who is being stubborn. We only got the girls in July and they started laying the day after Boxing Day so its our first broody experience.

 

Thanks for the advice, though!

Casserole

Korma

Kiev