Breaking a broody hen, not exactly what I expected to be doing during my week off but glad I have the time to deal with it. Every once in a while a hen goes broody, meaning they sit on eggs believing they are incubating them. They do not leave the nesting box at all, making it fairly dangerous since they sometimes don't even leave for food or water. Once a hen becomes broody she can also inspire others to do the same, just about the last thing I need. A broody hen doesn't lay eggs, only sits on others that are in the nesting box and gets angry when you take them out. The only way I've successfully broken a broody girl is to isolate them away from the nesting area, usually taking a few days or longer. They pace around, frantically wanting to return to coop to sit on their imaginary incubating eggs, but at least they eat and drink. I moved my broody girl in the morning, then was off to the beach, thankfully not there to watch her pace all day. The beach was perfection, peaceful and rejuvenating and the perfect weather greatly appreciated. My grandson Cash joined us and enjoyed swimming and playing football with his superstar uncle (who's jacked physique is apparent and the hard work it took to gain admirable). My son has always focused on good health, working out daily, has never been a drinker or a smoker and has always treated his body as a machine, admirable but holy cow! Both my boys are such great role models to my grandsons, something my daughter is aware and thankful for. As I sat soaking in the sunshine, listening to the two boys laugh and tell stories while sitting under the umbrella, I couldn't help but smile and take a smidge of credit for the amazing humans I've raised. My grandson was in his glory soaking in all of my sons attention that was eagerly given. We arrived home to our broody girl, still pacing and frantically trying to get to her nest. Just before bedtime I allowed her back in, to roost with the flock but will be sure to remove her quickly first thing in the morning for another day of isolation. Hopefully she'll snap out of it within a few days, breaking broody isn't easy!
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