[Laydies]

I'm hoping someone will help me here - Henavie, my 8-9 month old rhode rock, who lays the odd egg when she feels like it - seems to be broody and will sit in the nest box....on nothing... The advice from books says that she should be turfed out of the nest and access should be prevented, which we have done.. She is now DESPERATE to get back in, repeated attempts to climb up, even looking round the back for any little route in.. and is getting quite stressed out - should I continue letting her get stressed, or open the pop hole and let her sit ?  your experience and advice would be most welcome.. thank you

[ehs284]

This is quite common and distressing to watch, but you must not give in or you'll be back to square one. If you can seperate her and put her in a box of shavings similar to her nest box and in a darkened place that will be best. You can let her see and hear the other birds (if they can talk to each other it helps when she goes back), but don't let her back day or night until she shows no interest in the proper nestbox. We put ours in a section of the garage so they're safe and let them out first thing in the morning before the others are released from their pen.  You can often tell if she's still broody because she will start digging when you let her out. Usual feed and water. Often they go 'cuddly' and whilst making a lot of fuss when you approach, they will nestle into your arms, settle and enjoy being stroked if you pick them up. As always talking is good for both of you. It may take several days before she comes out of it, but suddenly she'll be back to normal.
There are other suggested ways such as dunking them in cool water. This worked well last year, but has been unsuccessful this year. No idea why. HTH

[Laydies]

yes, very distressing as she was getting quite upset - she seems just to want to sit for about an hour and not for any lengthy spells - but she's as happy as larry foraging in the garden with her 2 pals now..    no, sorry, sunbathing.....    I'm wondering if it is broodyness, or, if she is 'enacting' laying an egg... and copying the other girls who lay daily, ? this girly only lays perhaps 1 egg every couple of weeks...   but thank you so much for the advice, we will be keeping a very close eye on her...   

[Bonniebean]

Hi Laydies, I've just gone through something similar with two of my girls - I let them have a break and do their own thing for a few weeks and then bought a wire pet carry cage and put them both in it with food and water. Let them out at around 5pm each day for dust bath and socialising with the others (cage was in the run). After 2 days I had one out and after three days the other came out. One is laying again and the other is almost there - here comb is back to full red today. The first one, Rosie, laid a very tiny egg to start with, but now they are normal. I don't regret letting them have their break as I got to know them so much better and had lots of cuddles and chats!!!
Hope this helps! Do make sure you give some vitamin supplements to help - mine decided to moult about the same time.

[tollesburyjane]

It must be something to do with the weather/time of year.  My Maran has gone broody as well.  I have put her in a dog cage (one the dog not longer uses!) and only giving her water and pellets.  She is still in sight and sound of the flock, I will put her back in the hen house tonight - without access to the nestbox and we will see what tomorrow brings.  Your hen will get over it as long as you don't give in.

[Laydies]

Hi all, I can't quite make her out at all - perfectly her usual self today - no sitting in the nest box at all...   we are just going to keep an eye on her... still no eggs from her though...
thanks for the replies - I won't hesitate to ask again if I need help... its great to have somewhere to turn!