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When does an ex-broody hen start laying again?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 9:45 am
by MrsD'ville mkII
Broody Rudy seems to be getting back to normal after what feels like forever of being broody, but was probably six weeks or so. This was 'fake' broodiness, she didn't have any chicks. Does anyone know how long it will take her to start laying again and will her eggs start off small again or be normal size?
Thanks.
Re: When does an ex-broody hen start laying again?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:31 pm
by Millymollymandy
Wow 6 weeks is a long time, mine are usually about 4 weeks - mind you I'm usually a bit fed up by then if they haven't stopped of their own accord and block off the nest box! Then they seem to get a bit fed up of sitting folornly outside it and break their broodiness after a day or two.
Anyway usually about 2 weeks after the broodiness stops. (but obviously I've only limited experience with a few hens being broody). And isn't winter an unusual time to go broody?
Edit: And another thing.

I thought Rudy was a boy's name?
Oops (another edit!) - eggs in my experience will be normal size.
Re: When does an ex-broody hen start laying again?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:03 pm
by MrsD'ville mkII
Thanks. Fairly sure she was broody as she was always to be found sitting on another of the hens' eggs and came out only rarely for food and water, so wattle and crest a bit forlorn but she's behaving more normally now.
Re: When does an ex-broody hen start laying again?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:33 pm
by red
it can take some weeks..unfortunately....
Re: When does an ex-broody hen start laying again?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 9:29 pm
by MrsD'ville mkII
Poultry spice, I've not heard of that. I'll pick some up next time I'm swinging by the feed place. Thanks.