May 2006

22 Aggie's been broody since 24 April and when a hen is broody, you're supposed to deny them the nest so that they get over it more quickly.  So, every day I have to lift her out of the nest and lock up the chicken run, keeping a eye out on Titfer & Tat, in case they want to be in to lay.  Sometimes I leave Aggie in there until the others have laid, then throw her out.  That's a bit easier.  Sometimes get a little pecking when she's moved, as it's against her will.  And, she tends to walk around and around the chicken run as if another way in is about to magically materialise.  Silly girl!
23 Normally Aggie won't voluntarily come close but because she's broody, if we sit on the step outside the chicken run, she will jump on our laps and arms and shoulders and backs and be stroked as she tries and tries to find another way in to the nest.
 
24 Oh no!!  Both Titfer & Tat have exhibited brood-like behaviour today.  However, they've both laid, albeit Titfer laid a very pale and pointy egg.  Can't cope with three broody hens!  What has Aggie taught them?
25 At last, Aggie got herself out of bed and started foraging again, which means she no longer broody.  Be a few days before she lays again though.  Needs to feed well, as hens tend not to eat much when they're broody.  No eggs today and Tat is definitely broody.
26 Separate nestBroody TatStill no eggs and we've had to separate Tat into a different nest as she's too big and heavy to reach and lift out of the normal nest which was converted from a dog kennel.
27

Wet TitferTitfer's laid so that's confirmed she's ok.

I've read hens don't like the rain and it has poured and poured for several hours today.  Our's don't seem to have the sense to shelter in the run as you can she from the state of Titfer.  Don't laugh !  She might catch a cold if the temperature doesn't improve.

28 Another eggless day.  Titfer has spent some time trying to get in to Tat's private accommodation - think she must be missing her.......  Can't say Tat shows any sign of being bothered - she just wants to sit alone all day.
29 Tat's not quite as friendly as Aggie when she was broody.  She packs a more powerful peck but will come close for a tickle under the tummy which makes her visibly go weak at the knees - got to be seen to be believed.
30 Tat looking for another way inCaught Tat standing on top of her new house, trying to find yet another way in.
31 Tat ornamentAggie ornamentDid I mention that another of Aggie's broody habits was to sit on the kennel step for hours, just like a little ornament?

Well, Tat's doing it now.

Which begs the question "Do hens communicate?"

eggs this month, a poor month with two broody hens!