The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: lord flynn on June 22, 2016, 12:38:22 pm

Title: Broody hen in roof
Post by: lord flynn on June 22, 2016, 12:38:22 pm
I don't want any more chickens-I have more than enough and am not letting any of them sit this year.


This morning I watched as one flew up to the duck house partition, hopped three feet onto a rafter and then another three feet into the eaves of our barn/garage-clocking all the way. From the sound of it she has a few in there as I could hear them rolling about as she got in. I've no idea how long she's been sitting either (too many chickens to count..). Funny, I was worried that the muscovies might try and nest there. I can't get up there, I don't have a ladder big enough!


Has anyone had this and the chicks make it down alright?
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: Fleecewife on June 22, 2016, 01:19:02 pm

Crafty hen   ;D   Sounds if leaving the nest could be disastrous  :(
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: lord flynn on June 22, 2016, 02:19:10 pm
I am torn between admiring her and being exasperated! The Marsh Daisies are by far the cleverest hens I've had-all that hybrid vigour ;)


I will borrow a ladder, wear a crash helmet with visor (she will be at eye level) and bring her and the eggs down and let her sit, think she's earned the right to!
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: Dave C on June 22, 2016, 03:12:25 pm
Good for you mate  :thumbsup:

Funny how nature has a way, but like you said how would they get down!

They would probably just bounce but not worth the risk.
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: doganjo on June 22, 2016, 04:04:54 pm
I am torn between admiring her and being exasperated! The Marsh Daisies are by far the cleverest hens I've had-all that hybrid vigour ;)


I will borrow a ladder, wear a crash helmet with visor (she will be at eye level) and bring her and the eggs down and let her sit, think she's earned the right to!
And get rid of the cockerel! :roflanim:
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: lord flynn on June 22, 2016, 05:29:02 pm
you mean the two cockerels  ;D


nah, I like them, wouldn't keep chickens if I could have the boys. just wanted a break from hatching this year in the hope some of the oldies will die out over the winter.
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: doganjo on June 26, 2016, 10:47:15 pm
Ha ha, don't bank on it - I have two still laying at 7 and 8 years old.  One a hybrid auricana.

Hope you get the chicks down safely, or hen and eggs asap
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: Marches Farmer on June 27, 2016, 09:53:15 am
My neighbour once had a broody hen nesting on top of a stack of big round bales, four high.  The chicks did a sort of fluttery jump onto a pile of straw and all survived.
Title: Re: Broody hen in roof
Post by: lord flynn on June 27, 2016, 02:58:22 pm
well, I thought she'd abandoned the nest so I left it as was home alone this weekend. She's back up there though so will fetch her down tonight.