my hen, not sure of the age has recently gone broody. She sits in their nest all of the time, day and night, even if there are no eggs there. I noticed she hadn't got up to get food or water so I've been pushing her out, not with my bare hand because she pecks when she's on the nest. Right now I let the two that are laying in their nest to lay in the morning, and when they are finished I kick the broody one out and close up the nest to try to discourage her. The eggs are not fertilized, because I don't have a rooster. Should I continue to do this until she stops? Also, I noticed she hasn't layed for two days or so, she is just sitting on the other hens eggs. Is it usual for hens to stop laying once they've gone broody? Thanks

Hens do not lay eggs when broody. They have a cycle: pullet matures, lays a "clutch of eggs (number varies considerably by breed and individual hen). Sets, (broody) eggs or not (temperature drops for a period of time, during which they normally would be incubating the eggs). Wear a glove, if you must remove the hen to eat and drink--some hens are not so protective of their NEST (eggs or not), others make bruises on my hands-- I ignore it. Some hens will set for weeks. But when their temperature rises to normal, they will resume laying and get back into the cycle. If you have a place to move her for a week, cage, no nest, just food and water, she will return to her former state in a short time. . . . and resume the cycle! Good luck, CJR

I currently have 4 of 14 that are broody and I just let them be broody. Even though I rarely see it, I know they get up to eat, drink and relieve themselves. I sometimes bring them a cup of fresh water to drink while they're setting, especially on a hot day. This has helped them to become more tame, even when they're done being broody.