[lucylou]

hi yet again!

this seems a ridiculous question i know, but my RIR bantam appears to have gone broody although she is not sitting on an egg (last one laid yesterday and eaten by me!) since about 4 pm today she has been on the nest and goes back straight away if i take her out! - she seems ok is it possible that she is broody?

[Kate and her Ducks]

Yes, perfectl possible for them to go broody without eggs.

[lucylou]

thanks kate for your quick reply! these little hens are so interesting to learn about - i find that amazing that they will sit without eggs!! AAAh poor little thing what a fruitless task! -now im thinking i should get her  some fertile eggs to hatch but havent got a clue about it! - i can see hours of research coming up, wont my husband be delighted!

[Kate and her Ducks]

My broody sat on nothing fro almost a fortnight while I tried to break her of it and then sat on eggs for over 4 weeks (a duck) and then had to wait for day old ducklings as none of her eggs hatched. When they're broody, they're broody!!!

Good luck. I loved having her with a little brood behind her but if you decide to go down this route make sure you have a back up plan as they seem to have a distressing habit of giving up at the last minute and leaving you with babies to raise. Not everytime but always best to have a plan B.

[LittleRedHen]

My maran was broody for 6 weeks before we put fertile eggs under her.