The Poultry Keeper

Hanaldo · Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

I have a Pepper Pot Chicken who just doesnt want to come off her nest. Our other Chicken is not happy! And she's clucking alot too.

I've taken her out of the eglu and shut the door, now every time I go near her now she is very nowty with me (typical woman).

If anybody has any other ideas to help, I would be grateful for your advice.

Thanks
Han aldo

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2015 Location: norfolk

Does she fluff up her feathers and make odd slow clucking noises Hanaldo? In which case she probably is broody.

Hanaldo · Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

Sounds about right have you any suggestions?
how to help or stop it

Cheers

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2015 Location: norfolk

It's a little late in the season for hatching but if you can source some fertile eggs then she will probably give you some chicks. I say probably, because they can un-broody themselves at the most inopportune moments so it's always a risk. If you don't want her broody then put her in a pen close to the rest of her flock but with no comforts other than food and water and shelter from the weather. Make the under cover bit uncomfortable with half bricks of pointy stones. That way she will probably unbroody in around 5 days to a week. Be warned though, that some are really obstinate and will just stay broody till they want to give up usually in around 6-8 weeks!

Bluedork · Joined: 03 Oct 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Carmarthenshire

The best way to cool off a broody is confinement outside in a wire cage with a wire floor, raise it from the ground on blocks to ensure a good air flow under the cage, don't supply anything else but food/water and a makeshift roof to keep her dry.

In these conditions even the most determined broodies will give up after a week or two, and most if caught early enough will give up after only a few days...