Sooo much pooping

[hopingforchickens]

I've had my girls nearly a year now and thought I was doing quite well to escape the curse! Henrietta, my speckledy has succumbed . She's been in there all day and is laying very flat in the nest box. She was very unhappy when I chucked her out and promptly went straight back in after I'd removed the eggs So, should I get a broody cage, is that the best way forward? How long should I leave her in it (and stupid question, but do I leave her in it over night?), my WIR is secure. Will it effect how the other 2 lay - there is only one nest box?

 

Advice please!!!

[jennym]

I'd go for a broody cage - I reckon a few days in there is far easier on them than a few weeks of broodiness. You should leave her in it day and night, three days should do it - she'll let you know if not as she'll make a beeline right back for the nest.

 

I'd leave her in the cage inside the walk-in run (be sure to prop it up on bricks to let air circulate underneath), but if the nights are cold maybe you could move the whole cage to somewhere sheltered overnight - a garage or shed, maybe (but still up off the floor)?

 

Also - the other hens may perch on top of/over her cage and poop all over her so you might want to put something over the top of the cage.

 

Good luck!

[Egluntyne]

Another vote for the broody cage here.

[hopingforchickens]

well I don't have one yet so as a temporary measure I have propped the nest box lid right open (unfortunately we don't have a cube right now), it has annoyed her enough to come out and stomp round the run all day, but the other two don't seem keen on going in to lay eggs either! Will leave it like that till bed time then re-assess tomorrow...