B is for...

Broody Hens - Bev & Mabel! (Updated)

"A Royal Commission is a broody hen sitting on a china egg."

Michael Foot

A few days ago a couple of our hens started clucking loudly and did not want to venture out into the garden. Later we discovered they were sitting on some eggs inside the henhouse. As we do not have a cockerel the eggs are not fertilized and so will not produce any form of life – try telling that to Mabel and Bev! They decided to make their “nest” at the back of the henhouse and when anybody goes anywhere near them they become agitated and puff themselves up in an effort to appear the tough gals they are to fend off unwelcome interest!

Now as we do not want any chicks (been there, done that) we have to discourage them from sitting. They have become rather touchy and will not let the other hens anywhere near the nesting spot. The hens tend to lay the eggs together so now they have decided they are going to sit the other hens stopped laying!

We moved the remaining hens into the newly furbished goose hut and thankfully their abundant laying has resumed.

One day last week Mabel and Bev left their nesting spot to venture out for some food. I quickly took away the eggs and shut the henhouse door. They seemed to be okay to start with – then I noticed Bev sitting in the middle of the paddock making a loud clucking sound. I could not see Mabel anywhere and then I spotted her – sitting on the roof of the henhouse!

It was obvious she was trying to still connect with the non existent eggs and was prepared to sit there for some time.

Eventually I opened the henhouse door and within seconds she jumped down and made her way inside!

Talking to our neighbours last Friday - who also keep chickens we discovered they have some eggs they want hatching so Saturday afternoon Mabel and Bev left for a short vacation, being transported under the arms of hubby & neighbour. They are now housed in a coop with some fertile eggs for company! Will keep you updated on the progress!

Sunday morning!
The girls have settled down and are so contented on their eggs over at the neighbours!
Mabel -


Bev -


They are together in the coop, sheltered and safe.


Will keep you posted!
Update - Tuesday!

A few minutes ago I popped over to see the gals and take a photo just for ABc Wednesday....notice anything different? Yes they have swapped places! Wonder how and why this occurred?




This is their luxury accomodation. They are currently in the back of the coop where they have fresh water and food each day. Eventually they will wander into the enclosed netted area hopefully with some chicks - time will tell!