Dolly fluffed out in her box

I did everything I could. I cleaned out the coop. I continue to empty the eggs from the nesting boxes three times a day. I bring out all sorts of delicious treats as distractions. I visit the flock multiple times daily. But I spoke to soon.  Dolly is once again broody. She is starting to pull out her chest feathers, growl and sit on an empty nest all day long. I suppose there is something to be said about a Mother’s instinct.

She maintains her trance-like state

I find it interesting that some breeds tend to be broodier than others. I know that Silkies tend to be broody.  I wonder if there are hens that go broody more often than others?  Like people, do some hens just make better mothers? Well, if that is the case, I guess I should feel fortunate that I have Dolly in the flock.  I hope she decides to go broody this Spring.  It will be a great experiment for our family to see if she can actually hatch some eggs.  Springtime chicks would be wonderful.

In the meantime, Oyster Cracker was coughing and sneezing this morning.  She is still eating and drinking and her comb is red. I do not want to take a chicken to the vet this week.  I hope that this too shall pass.  I can’t help but worry about these chickens sometimes.