If a hen has her chest down on "eggs", yell at you when you try to move her, is she broody? Or ill? I added more hay around her since she refuses to be moved. Plus I turned on the heatlamp just in case
Broody?
How long has she been putting on her 'show'? How many eggs has she collected, do you have a rooster? (if not, her broodiness will be in vain).
i wouldnt have a heat lamp to close to her, a truly brooding hen radiates a huge amount of warmth already. I just had my Black Giant hatch out 8 more babies out in my vegetable garden, where she insisted she wanted to stay. I did pull rank on her and move her inside on Monday, however, as we finally got some winter weather and I for one sleep better knowing she is safe inside. But she had her nest built right on the ground and did fine.
I pulled the eggs, most of the girls lay in one nest and I have plenty of roos. The heatlamp is on but not near her. She's on more eggs this morning.
oh she's brooding it up. Is she a silkie? they are the worst about it :)
I also have bantam brahmas that brood all the time!!
She'll be okay. Just make sure she eats!
I just went out to check on her and she was on three maran and a small white (silver sebright or silkie) and had a full crop. So she's just broody! Better than sick! Thanks Mabecca and Backyards!