June 5, 2019
Tuesday the 2nd we noticed one hen on the nesting box extra long. She has done this before, but at bedtime when she was still in the box we knew we had a broody hen! We were excited. Our Rooster has been active among our hens and though we have a mixed flock and know our chicks will be interesting, this is still exciting to us. We moved her and her eggs to the Broody coop and she settled right in. We have given her food and water right by her and open the door for her to get fresh air and sunlight during the day, and close it at night to keep her safe. We know she has 4 eggs. We are debating candling her eggs or just leaving her to her business and seeing what happens. I am so excited!!!
Update:
I have read about if you leave the Broody Hen with the others some become a little crazed and the other hens act afraid of her.
Today we put a better hinged gate on the broody run. (The old one was just a pallet tied to the post. Our quick fix when we needed somewhere to stash a few chickens someone gave us, for a couple days.)
Just as we were about to head inside, my Sweetheart noticed Stir-Fry (our broody hen) digging in the garden. Head feathers bristles like when she is annoyed. She was furiously digging so we guessed she wanted worms. We went to help her and dug up sections and gave her a pile of worms. She ate through them, then was wandering a bit more. When we were pretty sure she had enough worms we were trying to help her back into the coop area. She was NOT happy!!! When we did get her back in though she headed right for her eggs (Side note: Happy, happy, she laid another egg so there are 5 there now!!! Yeah!!!
She seemed to be the epitome of the jokes of crazed hormonal pregnant woman seeking their pickles and ice cream! Help where you can then get out of their way!
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