How Do I Handle a Broody Hen?

A broody hen is very single-minded, wanting to sit on eggs constantly whether the eggs are fertilized or not. Hens when broody will sometimes pull out breast feathers to feather the nest and even become aggressive to anyone who comes near the nest box. They can get loose stools from holding eliminations too long because they don't want to leave the nest to defecate. Long periods of broodiness can adversely impact a hen's health so steps should be taken to break the brooding pattern.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice cubes
  • Pen
  • Wire cage
  • Pail or bucket
  • Cool water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the hen from the nest several times a day. Keeping the hen from getting comfortable on the nest is key to breaking broodiness.

    • 2

      Put a "clutch" of ice cubes under the hen. Replacing eggs with ice cubes will force the chicken off the nest.

    • 3

      Place the hen in a pen where she can't see her old nest. Keeping her away from her nest for about four days may break the broodiness. Provide food and water at all times.

    • 4

      Put the hen in a raised wire cage for a few days. Provide food and water, but no bedding material. The cool air rising into the cage and no comfortable place to nest will stop the brooding behavior.

    • 5

      Dunk the chicken into a pail of cool water. The hen's body temperature will rise when brooding and the cool water will bring it down and stop the behavior.