What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[chickchick2012]

I have a broody bantam (now going on for 10 days). Was thinking about the cold water dunking in a bucket - have tried all else. Does this seem mean and how exactly is it done????????

 

Thanks

[Chicken deficient]

I've not tried it, but I'd imagine it would be a bit of a shock to the system.

I've always let mine just get on with it - they sit for about 20 days and it keeps them happy and I don't mind really . I just make sure that the nest box is clean and I sprinkle plenty of red mite powder, (the natural one), into the nest box bedding, as this is a prime time for them to get creepy crawlies. I also turf them out a few times a day to make sure they are eating and drinking enough, though the cockerel does this too - he can be very persuasive!

I'm sure others will have advice about how to discourage them!

[lisaroo2]

Fleur keeps doing this and we're thinking about letting her sit some viable eggs if she keeps on as we feel really heartless just booting her out with the others. So long as she doesn't teach her youngsters to flaming fly out of the run!!!!

[atsw]

My three Pekin Bantams go broody all the time (it's in their nature!). As long as I catch them early I can break them pretty easily. I pop them in a large freezer crate (with a plastic lid) which lives inside the WIR. It's raised up on a small pile of bricks to ensure air flow under the crate (to cool them down). They are kept in their for 3 days. No excursions, no early parole! Once they have done their time I let them out and see if they return to the nest box. Sometimes an extra 3 days is needed if the weather is warm. Once they have snapped out of it, eggs usually return within 12-15 days.

 

Andrew

[chickchick2012]

Thank you Chicken Deficient and you too Lisaroo2 - it certainly is a problem!!!!!!.

 

Thank you atsw will try this next time (bit too late this time I think as she's already 10 days in). I love all your pictures though especially the chicks with their mum - beautiful and I would love to have a big enough garden to have your large WIR.

 

Thanks again everyone.

[Patricia W]

I think astw's method works whenever you start it. It has a longer term effect and is more reliable than dunking in cold water. One old lady told me that when her dad kept chickens, they threw the broodies up in the air to break it! I guess it's the same principle of cooling them down, but it seems to me they'd have to be flying through the air many times!

 

Or you can just let them get on with it.

[miller30]

I know somebody who has tried everything including the water treatment nothings worked so shes given in and buying eggs from my breeding groups I have also never botherd breaking them as it saves the electric from the incy leanne