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Posted by Scooter - Atlanta, GA
on 8/18/2009, 8:26 am, in reply to "Re: broody chicken?"
167.196.94.6
Lee...generally a 6 month ole hen is to young to be broody. A broody girl is generally somewhere around 1 yr old or to the closest spring. I believe that your girl is not going broody. As William stated, broody signs are when you approach her on the nest, she will raise her hackles (feathers on the back of her neck and head) and will make a warning sound to stay away and not bother her. Penny, my one girl was like this, but because all my girls are hand friendly, I really didn't have a problem with her. I was able to touch and pet her during this whole time. Most broodies, if not hand friendly will peck the hell out of you.
Also, if she is broody, she will leave the nest for a "broody break". During this time, she will relieve herself and also eat and drink. I normally keep water and a little food by her. This break will normally last about 20 - 30 minutes.
If she is in a nesting box that is above the ground, what you want to do is move her and the eggs, during the night (less stressful on both of you), to a ground nesting area/box, away from the other girls. This will grant her privacy and not allow the other girls to lay eggs into her clutch. Also, this will allow her to easily take the kids from the nest after they have hatched.
Ok, I've rambled enough...if you have more question, just post and we will respond...best of luck...Scooter
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