Broodiness is a natural and common behavior among hens, especially those that are bred for egg-laying. It is their instinct to sit on a clutch of eggs until they hatch, and they can become very protective and territorial during this time. While broodiness is an important part of chicken reproduction, it can be a bit of a headache for backyard chicken keepers. So what should you do when your hen is broody? In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dealing with a broody hen.
Understand what broodiness is
Before we get into how to deal with a broody hen, it’s important to understand what broodiness is and why it happens. Broodiness is a natural instinct that hens have to sit on their eggs until they hatch. During this time, the hen’s body goes through a number of changes, including an increase in body temperature and a decrease in appetite. The hen will also become very protective of her eggs and may even become aggressive towards other chickens or humans who come near her nest.
Decide if you want to let your hen hatch eggs
The first thing you need to do when you have a broody hen is decide if you want to let her hatch eggs. If you don’t have a rooster, the eggs will not be fertilized and will never hatch, so you may want to break your hen of her broodiness. However, if you do have a rooster and want to hatch some chicks, you can let your hen continue to sit on her eggs.
Provide a comfortable nesting area
Whether you decide to let your hen hatch eggs or not, it’s important to provide her with a comfortable nesting area. This will help to keep her calm and relaxed, which is important for both her health and the health of any eggs she may be sitting on. You can create a nesting area by using a nesting box or simply placing some hay or straw in a secluded area of your coop.
Make sure your hen has access to food and water
When a hen is broody, she may become less interested in eating and drinking. However, it’s important to make sure she has access to plenty of food and water. You can place a small dish of water and some food near her nesting area so she can easily access it without leaving her eggs.
Allow your hen to take dust baths
Dust baths are an important part of a chicken’s daily routine, and they become even more important when a hen is broody. Dust baths help to keep a chicken’s feathers clean and free of parasites, and they also help to regulate the chicken’s body temperature. Make sure your broody hen has access to a dust bath so she can keep herself clean and comfortable.
Check on your hen regularly
It’s important to check on your broody hen regularly to make sure she’s healthy and comfortable. You can do this by gently lifting her off her nest and checking her body for any signs of illness or injury. You should also make sure she’s eating and drinking enough, and that her nesting area is clean and free of any debris or feces.
Consider using a broody breaker
If you decide you don’t want to let your hen hatch eggs, or if her broodiness is becoming a problem, you may want to consider using a broody breaker. A broody breaker is a cage or crate that is designed to break a hen of her broodiness by separating her from her eggs and nesting area. This can be an effective way to break a hen of her broodiness, but it should only be used as a last resort.
Keep your hen separated from other chickens
When a hen is broody, she can to be very protective and aggressive towards other chickens. This can cause fights and injuries, so it’s important to keep your broody hen separated from the rest of your flock. You can do this by creating a separate area within your coop or using a broody breaker. This will also help to ensure that any chicks she hatches are safe from the other chickens until they are big enough to defend themselves.
Use natural remedies to calm your hen
If your broody hen is particularly stressed or aggressive, you may want to consider using natural remedies to calm her down. Lavender, chamomile, and valerian are all herbs that have a calming effect on chickens. You can add these herbs to your hen’s nesting area or feed them to her in small amounts to help calm her down.
Be patient
Dealing with a broody hen can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient. Broodiness is a natural instinct, and it’s not something that can be easily stopped or controlled. By providing your hen with a comfortable nesting area, access to food and water, and plenty of TLC, you can help her through this process and ensure that both she and any chicks she hatches are healthy and happy.
Dealing with a broody hen can be challenging, but it’s a natural part of chicken behavior. Whether you decide to let your hen hatch eggs or break her broodiness, it’s important to provide her with a comfortable and safe environment. By following the tips above, you can help your broody hen through this process and ensure that both she and any chicks she hatches are healthy and happy. Remember to be patient and gentle with your hen, and she will reward you with delicious eggs and adorable chicks.
