A Sitting Hen - How to Protect Her

A broody hen, when you free range your flock during the day, can sometimes appear to be lost. Not too many people live way out in the mountains, but I do, and awhile back I thought one of my favorite hens had been attacked and probably killed. I found her though, sitting on a clutch of eggs hidden by tall grass toward the edge of my property.

When this happens, it's advisable to put up a fence around her until the baby chicks have hatched. Doesn't need to be very big . . . maybe 3 square feet for standard breeds or 2 for bantams. I often drive tent stakes into the ground to keep animals out and drape a net over the enclosure. Then, put water and feed in the enclosure for her. Check on her as often as possible, but imagine a "do not disturb" sign is up.

Pet Chicken, Return of Black Beauty

Broody hens often disappear this time of the year, but Black Beauty never showed any signs of wanting to set. I thought she'd been caught by an owl, raccoon, or some other enemy to chickens. After a two week search, she's back.

Black Beauty is a Black Sumatra, beautiful, and a special pet. I'm happy to report she's back sharing the roost with the rest of the flock. It's always a big relief . . . a happy ending to the story.

Black Sumatra's are a fairly rare breed, they're used for showing, but aren't great egg producers. They were brought to the U.S. from the country of Sumatra.

Welcome back, Black Beauty!