The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: katog on April 16, 2012, 12:54:10 pm

Title: Broody hen - ok in the dark?
Post by: katog on April 16, 2012, 12:54:10 pm

One of the hens has gone broody so I have turned a shed into a lovely single occupancy apartment for her it's perfect I think except there's no window.
Do you think it's a problem for her to be in the dark day and night or should I cut a hole somewhere for some light - there's ventilation holes in it already.
cheers

Title: Re: Broody hen - ok in the dark?
Post by: daddymatty82 on April 16, 2012, 01:03:44 pm

give her some light  as when she is tight she wont budge but if you just moved her she will want to  test the area.i use rabbit hutches so still got light  i got 1 on 5 eggs atm and another just going broody soon to be tested  this week

Title: Re: Broody hen - ok in the dark?
Post by: in the hills on April 16, 2012, 01:19:25 pm

Can you make a simple, wired second door for the shed so that the solid shed door can be opened during the day? This will save spoiling your shed and also give good ventilation and light.

Title: Re: Broody hen - ok in the dark?
Post by: katog on April 21, 2012, 07:39:27 am

Yes, thanks we have made a wired 2nd door as you suggest. The other hens all stood at the door looking at her.

Title: Re: Broody hen - ok in the dark?
Post by: in the hills on April 21, 2012, 10:38:44 am

 :thumbsup: Good luck

Title: Re: Broody hen - ok in the dark?
Post by: chrismahon on April 21, 2012, 10:51:36 am

Great idea that In The Hills. You have provided the solution to our overheating coop problem in Summer -Its a fixed shed and it gets rather hot when there is little wind, as it is positioned in a very sheltered corner.