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

[KateCooke]

My wynedotte bantam has been broody for two weeks now, I started dipping her in water (as someone's advice told me) and locking her out of the coop, put a plant pot in the nest box but that has not helped, so today me and other half have made an anti-brooding cage.

 

My red hampshire also showed sudden signs of brooding today so i have placed them both in the brooding cage with food, water and wire mesh flooring, they are not happy with me to say the least.

 

Questions -

1. Is it ok to put two in anti brooding cage, it is big enough and these two normally share quarters anyway, will it still be effective?

2. How long should I keep them in there for?

3. Are there any signs I can look out for to show that they are over it?

4. How often can a hen go broody? Is it just once a year or can this happen lots and lots?

 

Despite looking at web sites on broodyness I have yet to find answers to these so would be very grateful if anyone can share their thoughts.

Thank you in advance.

 

Kate

[The Dogmother]

Try reading this on my blog. I think it answers everything you asked, except that it's best not to put two hens in together as they can't cool down effectively when they are huddled up.

 

Hope this helps.

[KateCooke]

Thank you so much for your advice. 3 days in the anti-brooding box worked really well, she came out and laid an egg. All excellent. Sandy is now in their as she is a bad influence to the rest being so broody.

 

Eggs galore hopefully.

 

Kate

[The Dogmother]

I've got one of last years hatchlings in The Cage of Shame at the moment

[Chook n Boo Mum]

I've got one of last years hatchlings in The Cage of Shame at the moment

 

I had 3 of last years babes in there yesterday & 2 in there today ........they aren't cuddling up & are Pekins in a large labrador-sized cage so oodles of room...........oh are they peeved

 

Hi Clare *waves*

[The Dogmother]

Hi Sha *waves back*. Bridget seems happy enough this morning; she has her own food and bunny bottle of water.

[KateCooke]

Thanks everyone for advice, yesterday I had 3 eggs so all 3 layers are back to full form.

However I am still waiting for my Light Sussex to lay something other than tiny wind eggs, very frustrating.

 

Kate

[fluffy chick]

Sorry to hijack Kate

 

Clare I've just been looking at your broody cage. I too have a pekin who is off on broody since oooo forever! I like your cage but was wondering will my broody know how to drink from a bunny bottle?

[The Dogmother]

Mine were all easy to train TBH; I just set it up and squeezes some drops down from the nozzle and they were attracted to the shiny droplets. You could always grab the lead chook and hold her beak to it so that she realises that it's water - the others will then follow her example. You can try a coop cup of water but it soon gets filthy.