How do I stop a Hen being Broody?

[minskey]

Another one of my hens has gone broody, she is a Speckledy which is around 7 months old. What do I do? Help

[MaureenHall]

Ask Snadger One of his was broody and we all bullied him into getting some eggs for her to hatch out - should be ready in a few days!! Actually I don't think he needed much persuading. I want one of mine to be broody so she can hatch some eggs as well

[minskey]

I don't want another broody, just hatched 5 chicks with another hen. I read that she needs dunking in a bucket of cold water, it sounds cruel & silly in this cold weather.

[Snadger]

Apparently you have to keep them cool by putting in a wire cage suspended off the ground so she has no inclination to sit!

[lynda66]

or you could have her for lunch ............ she could share some sandwiches

[Flummery]

I've heard of someone who, when a hen displays broody tendencies, lifts her up and lets her fly down to the ground a few times. The air under their wings cools them down. Also a little house with a slatted floor will make her cool in the nether regions.

[frias]

Oh flying to cool down sounds much kinder than the sin bin. (which didn't work with my broody anyway) They do get over it eventually but I found it very sad to see my girl sitting on an empty nest for over 3 weeks and losing weight.