[stella]

Hello everyone

We purchased 6 pullets 2 weeks ago, approx 18 weeks old (now 20). 3 of them became unwell initially but thanks to a wonderful vet (Alan Jones, Crawley) they all seem to be doing remarkably well and are settling into their new home. We have 2 x buff orpingtons, 2 x jubilee orpingtons, 1 x white silkie and 1 x aracauna (sorry spelling prob wrong!).

Well one of the jubilees is very quiet this morning. the others were all outside but she was just sitting on the floor in the house, although she came out when I was there. I went back down 3 hours later and the same thing. this time, she went into the nesting box before I left.

Does this sound normal? We haven't had chickens for a few years, but I thought this sort of quiet broody behaviour happened after eggs were laid? She has been drinking a little but not as lively as the others and not really looking for food although she has eaten a bit. just quiet. Any advice very welcome!

Thank you

Stella

[ness]

Hello Stella
I haven't owned hens for very long but I'd suggest keeping an eye on your girl just incase she feels unwell.  
But it could be that she's thinking about laying, mine seemed to display a lot of nesting behaviour before actually laying and had a few dry runs before producing an egg.  Hopefully thats what your hen is doing.    
Cheers
Ness