[Carshay]

Hi I wonder if anyone has any advice - I have a broody Orpington who has been sitting on eggs for a few days. I get her off twice a day to eat and drink but so far she hasn't poohed! I'm a bit worried as she is a lovely girl but still young - only about 6 mths I think. Is there any way I can get her to pooh?!

[ANHBUC]

They do tend to save it up when they are broody.  Try keeping her off the nest for longer when she eats and drinks.  I put my broody at the other end of the hutch so she is moving about and then she usually gets the urge.  Check that she has not soiled the nest which is common when they are in such a trance.  If the eggs get soiled wipe them with kitchen roll to remove as much as possible.  Best not to wash them as it can introduce bacteria into the egg.

[Carshay]

Thanks I'll give it a go. One of the eggs got broken last night so the others have some dried egg on them - will that matter it was too dry to clean off easily?

[ANHBUC]

I have had that before and just wiped as much as I could off.  They tend to get a bit of a clean off the broody with the heat and humidity.  Just make sure all the soiled nest material is removed and replaced.

[JaK]

When you get her out, sort of lightly throw her into the air (just a little way off the ground) she will have to flap her wings and really move for a second. That movement should make  her poop. Be warned though, wear a peg! 

[Carshay]

Success! Now I have to worry as someone said the chicks may get tangled in her feathers & die. Is this right?

[ANHBUC]

It can happen, someone on here posted about losing chicks that way this year.  I think it is when their feathers get wet if I remember rightly.  Will try and find the post for you to read.   

[ANHBUC]

Found it HERE

[Carshay]

Thanks I'll have to keep a close watch if I get chicks