Gertie Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I think my hen Iris has gone broody. I've turfed her out of the nest box for the last few days & shut her out. I go back to work on Monday so I won't be able to do that or collect the eggs until I get home. Should I be worried? not had a broody before. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Have a look in the FAQs about chickens - there is an excellent post entitled Broody Hen which tells you everything you need to know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 She should be fine as long as you turf her out once a day, I have had nine broodies in one go this year, it was a real battle to collect the eggs as two of them were particularly evil. Otherwise you could put her in a broody cage, I have a small dog crate. The recommended time is three days and nights although this has never worked with any of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gertie Posted August 31, 2012 Author Share Posted August 31, 2012 Thanks for the info & fAQ reminder. I have read that but unfortunately I'm not going to be around ffro 6am - 6pm due to work. Do u think it will be ok if it is about 6pm by the time I can take her off the nest & collect the eggs? As I don't have a walk in run I wouldn't be able to put a broody cage in the Eglu classic. I could isolate her in a classic all by herself with the nest box door closed all day though (the other 3 hens would be in the other classic next door), kind of a larger scale version. What do you think? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 What you need is for cool air to circulate beneath her to cool her down, and she'll need this all day and night. If you put her in a spare eglu, she'll just sit down and keep warm. Do you have a garage? If so, you could get a dog carry cage, put that on bricks (on each corner), then put her in. Don't forget food and water... I'm lucky enough to have a WIR, so I just put the cage up in that so she can see the other girls and therefore keep her place in the pecking order, though I'm not sure you'll be able to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 I've used a small dog crate successfully for a few broodies. They don't have to be large at all, so you might be able to fit one inside the eglu run. Otherwise, I agree a garage or shed will be fine just for 3 days. You could put her out in the open when you are at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gertie Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 Thanks very much. I have to keep my fingers crossed but I think 3 days of putting her out of the nest has worked. On the 3 rd day, she laid and egg in the run, ate it, and now seems fine and laying in the nest box again! She really made me laugh though, she went all puffed up, rigid and still if moved and lots of funny noises (thankfully not aggressive)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 You're lucky, usually they are aggressive . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
