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Posted by William
on 8/16/2009, 10:11 am, in reply to "Re: broody chicken?"
205.188.117.13
Good morning Lee,
A broody hen is a blessing to people who want to raise chicks. I read that even duck eggs have been placed under hen to hatch the ducks and it works. The problems with broody hen is lost production of eggs and they become aggressive when distrubed on the nest. They may not eat or drink and could have health problems. What to watch for. pulling feathers from breast to line nest. Sitting on the nest with wings slightly spread as if to cover chicks. Aggression when you come around the nest,pecking or fussing loudly.
Cures, put hen into wire bottom cage with air circulating under her to discourage setting. Four days seems to do it,but may have to repeat. putting hen into a bucket of cool but not cold water. This lowers her body temp. This also may need to be repeated. Keep moving her off the nest. Collect eggs often. Point of lay sounds to young to be broody. Does this hen get picked on by other birds? She might be trying to avoid a fight. She feels safer in the nest. There are lots of google sites just google broody hen and play around. good luck.
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