I am having a problem with my Aracuna. She decided she didn't like our yard so she started going next door only during the day & would come home to roost at night. Then for about a week stayed even at night We finally had to go get her & we locked her up for a couple of days during which she layed 1 egg. She stayed in the yard till it was time to lay then went next door. We finally found her stash and there were about a dozen eggs(probably about 2 weeks worth) We brought her back and have not been letting her out until she lays but now she has gone 3 days without laying. But gets very agitated. Is this ok?

-- Leslie Davis (bmundy@bak.rr.com), September 08, 2001

Answers

I wonder if she might be broody? (You know, a broody hen stops laying for the duration+) Look at her breast, has she plucked it? Does she still go on the roost at night?(a broody prefers the nest box, or her stash) Also, does she fluff herself up when she is agitated and/or growl at you? (All signs of broodiness)

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), September 08, 2001.

Leslie, Do you have a nest egg or two in the nest box? Some chickens really like to lay in a nest box that has an egg or two in it. She probably was getting broody too. I would keep her home until she gets used to laying in the nest box and put a couple of nest eggs in there for her.

-- Karen in Kansas (kansasgoats@iwon.com), September 09, 2001.

I think mary's right. your hen has found a nesting spot she likes & has laid a clutch of eggs. she came back to your place to roost every night because hens wait till they've laid their full clutch before setting day&night. The doz. eggs you found was more than likely her completed clutch which would explain why she hasn't laid anymore since you've got her locked up now.

Go get her nest of eggs. bring them over to your place and put them in a location you think she may prefer. then show your hen the nest of eggs; she may go ahead & settle right down. if not, leave her penned in with her nest for a few hrs. you also may need to wait right before sundown to try.

-- Buk Buk (bukabuk@hotmail.com), September 09, 2001.

HI Leslie, I have had hens that would go broody and try anything to get back to their favorite spot. Good thing you found her spot, in case she suddenly disappeared! When they decide they have enough eggs they start to sit and only get off for a quick bite to eat. I would keep her penned up for a while to break the cycle, then let her out later in the day after she lays her egg. Maybe 2:00 ish? Hope that helps, Brenda

-- Brenda (brenclark@alltel.net), September 09, 2001.

One more note about broodiness. You didn't mention whether you have a rooster. She will of course, brood whether or not the eggs are fertile, but don't let her waste the time on them if they are not.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), September 09, 2001.

All the answers you have recieved so far are right on target. Seems like your little girl is trying to start a family. Homesteaders love broody hens unlike commercial operations. It just means you get 12 or more chicks for little or no work. If at all possible if the eggs are viable, meaning you have a rooster or two, go get the eggs and put them in a straw filled box. Place box, eggs and mommy hen in a dark corner with food and water. The less disturbance the better. She will settle right in. Cant remember how long it takes for them to hatch. Its been a while. Its alittle late for babies but they will make it if they dont get wet. good luck and let us know how things work out. Lily

-- Lily Weaver (tracer108@yahoo.com), September 09, 2001.