TaxiDriver Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 One of my older hens has taken to the nest box and steadfastly refuses to budge, Im don't think she's even laying now as she's 4 or 5 yr old, The other 3 hens seem to have gone off laying, (Possibly as they cant get in the nest box ?) Twice a day, I've been making sure she hasn't any eggs left in the nest box and have moved her outside the coop but so far to no avail. Any tried n tested (humane) ideas ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pegasus bridge Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 I've used a couple of methods, firstly a small cage , with a cage floor off the ground, pop the broody hen in for 24 hours (food and water available in the cage too) , realease her after 24 hrs and see if she still heads to the nest box . If she does, repeat for 48 hrs. Or -try a cool water bath , hold the chicken in for 10-15 mins. Both work on the idea that it cools them down, which apparently is the physiological change that makes them broody. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 Pop her in a carrier or box and drive her around the block a few times , it's worked for me in the past Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 You could just put some eggs under her and let her hatch them out you then get some free baby chicks works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaxiDriver Posted August 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'd need to source some fertile eggs, i don't really want more chickens. Someone at work suggested the dunking method but seemed a bit cruel hence my mention of a 'humane' solution The hen in question does seem very warm to the touch when picked up, more so than the other 3 hens, So, this might fit in with whats going on :unsure: I could try a dog type cage inside the run if i can beg/borrow one locally Thanks Guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pegasus bridge Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 The dunking method is not as cruel as it sounds, once in it they settle down ok (well mine did!), you don't submerse them completely - just to cover the body (not the neck). One of the rectangular plastic mop buckets (without the strainer thing) works a treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 Take one axe , and a large piece of wood , I would suggest a slow cooker may be best due to the age of the bird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted August 29, 2014 Report Share Posted August 29, 2014 The dunking method isnt cruel. What i do is fill a bucket up with cold water and dunk the hen upto the wings then lift her out above your head getting air to her wet skin/feathers. Repeat this a dozen more times. When skin is wet and exposed to wind it rapidly cools the surface and this is what you're trying to do with her body temperature. Other way is to get a cheap dog crate from Ebay.Stick it on bricks so theres plenty of airflow underneath and leave her in there for 5 days or so.You MUST however put the crate in the run or atleast where she can still see the other hens as they're social creatures and get depressed on their own.Make sure she still has plenty of food and water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted August 29, 2014 Report Share Posted August 29, 2014 is this the hen equivalent of the ice water bucket challenge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted August 29, 2014 Report Share Posted August 29, 2014 Try a wedding ring, it worked for the wife... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted August 29, 2014 Report Share Posted August 29, 2014 Try a wedding ring, it worked for the wife... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aister Posted August 30, 2014 Report Share Posted August 30, 2014 Get on evilbay for a dozen fertile eggs and let her get on with it. Keep the hens for laying and fatten the cocks for eating, jobs a good'n Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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