Will hoey

[jjiande]

Hi. So our speckledy is broody (always wants to be in nestbox, angry pecking pancake chicken when you get her out). I've been getting her out and shutting the coop around midday for three days. Day 1 she tried to nest elsewhere in the garden but hasn't done that since. Not much eating and drinking and although she is sometimes more normal she is often puffed up as she walks round and making growling noises. The other three aren't responding well to her -lots of scuffles. She did lay an egg today, though, so doesn't that mean she's not properly broody? She is normally really sweet and gentle.

 

We are off on holiday on Friday and although my parents will be here on and off and can get her out of the coop, the rest of the time we just have someone looking in to feed/water/clean up and I'm worried about how things will be.

 

I do have a small wire cage I could use as a broody breaker, but is it better for her to be free ranging since she is still doing that? Is a cool bath a definite no-no? Should I just leave her to it or try to break her broody spell?

[Mar1a]

My speckled yes a broody nightmare, so far she's done it twice, almost to the month. This time round, she laid an egg on day 2 and I decided that was an egg that was already in the system.

 

Broody jail is sadly the only thing that works for me. I say sadly because I hate doing it, she remembers and is incredibly skittish whenever I am near her, broody or not.

 

If you're away from Friday, you've got time for three days and nights in jail before you go. That should keep her "broken" for a couple of weeks at least, but it's a good idea to warn your parents that she may go broody again while you are away.

 

Leave her as she is now and she is only going to get more agrees ice, both towards you and your other girls.

 

I posted a thread asking what I should do with my broody missy, and was given some fantastic advice. Have a look at my thread titled "do I need a broody cage?"

 

Good luck and be brave