Wanted Please - Harrogate / York / Leeds area

[Dazontheweb]

I have a hen who periodically gets broody. This time though when I pulled her out of the nest box the other three all decided to attack her. Is this normal?

Her back side seems to be constantly expanding and contracting which I have not noticed with a broody hen before.

 

Thanks,

 

Darren

[Chortle Chook]

She could be unwell and having difficulty laying an egg. There are various conditions for this, none, alas, too nice. I would suggest a quick check on The Omlet Website Health section. There are things like 'egg binding' and 'Peritonitis'. I do hope it isn't either of these but better be safe than sorry

On the other hand, I had a chicken doing this and she just had an upset tummy and is now well and healthy

[Dazontheweb]

She did lay her egg today, so I don't think it is that. She is definitely broody because she was puffed up over the eggs, was quite vicious to me when I moved her and she is clucking. It is just unusual the the other Three want to attack her, even the most docile one.

[kevf1]

i have similar.. she has lost a lot of feather from her bum around the vent.. but no marks like she has been attacked.. she was broody yesterday and today even though i have taken the eggs out.. and she always has been packed at the vent area but nothing ever more than a quick peck and she jumps and runs away..

 

bit concerned now..

[Dazontheweb]

She had enough and has retired to the nest box. Just wondering if there will be carnage tomorrow when the others come to lay.