Table of Contents
Should you separate a broody hen?
The advantages of separation are to protect the broody hen and her eggs (or chicks) from the rest of the flock. A broody hen that stayed with the flock will very likely be disturbed more, at greater risk of broken eggs or an infestation and may be bullied because she has withdrawn from the flock.
Will a broody hen stop other hens from laying?
Once her nest is full (a “clutch” of eggs is usually 10-12), a broody hen will stop laying eggs. They also make it difficult for the other hens to lay their eggs by hogging the nest.
How long after a broody hen lays again?
The longer the broodiness has lasted, the longer she’ll take to start laying again. A hen that’s broken up after the first sign of brooding should begin laying in about a week. A hen that isn’t broken up until the fourth day may not lay again for more than two weeks.
What age do chickens get broody?
What does it mean when a chicken is broody? Broodiness is a natural chicken instinct that happens to some chickens every year, and others not at all. It switches on as soon as they’re old enough to lay, between five and eight months old. Certain breeds of hens are more broody than others.
What do you do when a broody hen won’t lay eggs?
Broody hens are generally very dedicated to their nests. Occasionally you will have a hen abandon her eggs. If the eggs are still warm and you have another broody on-hand, you can try slipping the eggs under her and see if she will accept them. If she won’t, this is the time for your incubator to be cleaned and fired up.
What does it mean when a hen does not go broody?
When the eggs reach full capacity, this is when her body may tell her that it’s time to hatch some babies. If your hen does not get broody right away after maturing, this does not mean she will not get broody later on. Time of year plays a role in brooding, as well as air temperature.
What happens if a chicken lays a broken egg?
Broken eggs can not only attract vermin and predators, but they can also threaten the cleanliness of your coop. In addition, broken eggs invite hens to eat them – a problem you definitely don’t want to have. You can also restrict access to the nest box after the hens have laid for the day.
How do you know when a chicken is ready to lay eggs?
She will start laying small eggs and the eggs will increase in size as she matures. When the eggs reach full capacity, this is when her body may tell her that it’s time to hatch some babies. If your hen does not get broody right away after maturing, this does not mean she will not get broody later on.