Broody info for novices!

[dexterdoglancashire]

I've read through all the information on what to do for broody hens, but Im afraid Im a bit thick.
Kaye is broody and I'm not too sure what to do. I've locked her (and the others) out of the hutch today, and it is quite cold outside. She went back to her usual self when I opened the door this evening. I am checking for eggs am and pm and removing them as soon as I can.
Please can you explain, in simple terms, what I should/should not be doing?
Do I need a separate cage for her/keep her separate/keep her outside (in a separate run of course, in a little house) throughout the night? Many thanks in advance.

[walldanzig]

depends what you are looking to do I use it as an oppertunity to hatch chicks. You can put them in a cage with a wire mesh bottom and that apparently puts them off.

[dexterdoglancashire]

No I dont want chicks (sorry, should have mentioned that)

[Eco-Chic]

Bernie, no need to do anything except make sure she takes a couple of breaks a day to eat and drink. Myrtle has just stopped brooding a couple of days ago (she started on Dec. 14th).

I locked her out of the coop, took away the nesting box - didn't make any difference to her, she scooped a depression in the earth under the coop and brooded there. In the end I let her get on with it and only chucked her out to filch the eggs (always lurvly and warm in the coldest of weathers) and while I poo picked and cleaned. She was always a bit grumpy but went straight to the feeder, then water and then launched herself across the garden after the others, screeching like a banshee. As soon as I went a way she resumed brooding.

At night I used to lift her up on to the perch when I gave them their bedtime supper as it was easier for me. As soon as she was full she jumped down and resumed brooding.

She never lost weight or condition, just her wattles and head gear went pale.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks for that EC. You've put my mind at rest.