[Penny Finn]

I think my newish (p.o.l. at end of April) chicken is definitely broody.  The other two are bright eyed and bushy tailed and she is just sitting in the hutch and won't budge.  When I try and push her out, she fluffs herself up and looks very cross.  Can only prise her out with mealworms, then she just gobbles them up and scuttles back in again.  Any suggestions.  How do you make a broody 'not broody'.  What should I do?  Grateful for any advice.

[kegs]

Does she squeal at you as well?  Just keep lifting her off the nest until she comes out of it.  If none of the chickens are laying at the moment you could close the coop door so she can't get back in until you are sure she is no longer broody.  Good luck.

[CoopersCoop]

You can get anti-broody housing that you can place your lady to stop her going broody. It is and elevated house with a chicken wire base so it is hard for your lady to sit for any length of time. make sure you keep a supply of food and water with her though!

Of course this isn't the most cost effective method, but you can make one yourself for future needs. Again only really any good if you have lots of lovely hens that may on occasion go broody.

[PaulineM]

Hi

I use a wire dog cage to break my broody's 

The idea is to not let them keep their temperature up and to make them uncomfortable, this may sound a bit cruel but its up to your personal view as to what is more cruel, breaking the broodiness or leaving them to sit on no eggs, not eating properly and not getting any chicks at the end of it. Mine has been known to sit for 9 weeks, although using the dog cage she is usually out of it in 5 days 

[CoopersCoop]

What a great idea PaulineM to use a dog cage. Will remember that one for next time!

[Penny Finn]

Thank you for the advice.  I could try shutting her out of the hutch as the other two lay early morning so they have done their bit and are happy to spend all day outside (like normal chickens!)  If that doesn't work I will try the wire treatment.
Again grateful for the suggestions