Farm Broody hen

[KMR58]

I would love some input on a broody hen. We have a hen that went broody about three weeks ago. Not sure exactly what date she went broody. She took up residence in the favorite nesting box - of course she did. Ugh. Every day I find new eggs laid and pull them but some eggs have disappeared. The past two days I've looked under her for fresh eggs and found a dead baby chick each day.

In future should I have one go broody I will move her right away into our junior coop but I can't move her there now as it's filled with 25 chicks that are about 8 - 10 weeks. I don't know what to do with her. She has 5 eggs left and she is fierce. I think when she gets up to go eat and drink another hen takes the box to lay. I just don't know what is going on or what to do. If anyone has input I would be so thankful. This is our first broody hen. We've hatched three batches in our incubator.

Thanks.

 

[West]

I would love some input on a broody hen. We have a hen that went broody about three weeks ago. Not sure exactly what date she went broody. She took up residence in the favorite nesting box - of course she did. Ugh. Every day I find new eggs laid and pull them but some eggs have disappeared. The past two days I've looked under her for fresh eggs and found a dead baby chick each day.

In future should I have one go broody I will move her right away into our junior coop but I can't move her there now as it's filled with 25 chicks that are about 8 - 10 weeks. I don't know what to do with her. She has 5 eggs left and she is fierce. I think when she gets up to go eat and drink another hen takes the box to lay. I just don't know what is going on or what to do. If anyone has input I would be so thankful. This is our first broody hen. We've hatched three batches in our incubator.

Thanks.

Just let her be.

It will all work out. Since your not hurting for new chick's. Just let her be. Seems every year the same happens to us.

Of note the last time this happened to us was just 4 weeks ago, she was able to successfully brood one chick! And it's a hen we think!

Anyway relax. My wife and I muse that she eat the Yoke sacks of the still born chickens she cracked open so that she could stay on the nest and not go foraging.

IDK, but it wouldn't surprise me.

 

[philkar]

Well here is an idea that we use. Mark the eggs. Then you will know which ones are new. We have a broody pen where we put broody hens…otherwise a nursery for new chicks. Just ideas and may not meet your needs!