mullethunter Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Amy is acting more or less normally during the day (she kicks the Pekins out every time they go in the nest box but I think that's normal for her ), but the last three nights she's gone to bed in the nest box and hissed and pecked me when I lift her out and replace her with a flower pot. I think she then gets onto the perch. Could she be broody-ish? She's two and a half and hasn't been broody in the year I've had her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Sounds broody-ish. My hen Polly is often a little on the broody side (well let's face it she is a pekin ) But she never seems to quiet go the full monty. Just keep an eye on her and always block the nest at night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 I think that must be it. Broody-ish Silly girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I have exactly the same problem with my Mabel, how odd. I have been watching her the past few days, she is ok during day but takes herself in to the nest box about 6 pm,is turfed out in morning but doesn't rush back in.Mmm maybe building up to broody. Red sunset is giving me bad ideas on another thread eggs from eBay!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I always get the blame, lol! Go on, you know you want to......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm really tempted too but not going to until I've plucked up the courage to learn to dispatch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PickleHen Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Oh my, I think I have 2-3 of these. I have never blocked the nest at night and all three of mine sumo wrestle for the space. I have had them for 8 months and didn't realise that I should be discouraging this behaviour I suspect starting the nest blocking now will upset the ladies, would you suggest that it is worth some upset and I start the retraining? Feeling really silly..... But I can't be too bad a Mum as I get 2-3 eggs every day! All thoughts welcomed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Yes, I would discourage it. Lots of reasons it's not a good idea, they can get too cozy ....making them go broody. Nest material gets soiled and then the eggs, also the nest material needs changing more frequently. they could be targeted by mites etc If you have a cube, the smallest size trug fits the hole perfectly (top tip I got on here) They will soon get used to not going in there if it's already blocked off before they go to bed Just pop in in after you've collected all the eggs........but remember to remove it in the morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PickleHen Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 2 eggs today and they didn't seem too disturbed by the torture if not having the nest to sleep in last night. I checked on them before I went to bed and they were stacked up, as close as they possibly could be , without technically being in the nest. I wish I had taken a pic! Thanks for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 That's good picklehen - they'll get used to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
