Keats Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Hello. I wonder if you can help me as this is my first season with my hens. All has been going well but one has taken to staying in the eglu nesting box for the past few days. She "coos" when I go near her checking for eggs and fans her tail out. Inevitably there are a few eggs under her. I am guessing she is broody? I tried lifting her out but she just had a drink and went straight back in. I can't block off the nesting box because the other five need access to it to lay. Do you think she'll just snap out of it? will she be eating at all...I haven't seen her eat for a day or two. Thanks in anticipation of your advice Keats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 She does sound broody. you need to keep taking her off the nest box when she goes in there. Its probably best getting an anti-broody cage to put her in. it usually take 21-28 days to snap out of it naturally if you just leave her too it (as this is the incubation time for eggs, plus a little extra). If you try to prevent her being broody it takes about a week. broody hens dont lay eggs! some advice http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=239 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 As mentioned on the Broody information page, I think that the "chilly dip" method is the best. Dip the hen into a bucket of (preferably cold) water a few times and that is it. However you may need to repeat this daily until she finally gives in Mr Rhode Island Red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Just a word of caution, if you are not planning to hatch from her you really need to break her out of it. Otherwise she will suffer physically as a broody does lose condition, as they go short of water, food and exercise.I currently have three broodies who are all sharing the 'coop of shame', this has no cosy nesting spots but a perch, food and water. It will be another day or so before their hormones settle down and they can be released! Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keats Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 Hi there Just to update you and thank you for your advice. I tried dipping her in water but she just ran back into the nesting box. But the "crate of shame" worked well after about three or four days. So thank you once again for all your advice and help Keats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Do they all get broody at some point or do some breeds get more prone ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Some do, some don't. Not an answer I'm afraid but as a general rule of thumb, more fluffy types/breeds tend to be more inclined to go broody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
