Symptoms Management and treatment • Prolonged nest sitting with or without eggs • Flattened wing stance over her nest • Aggression when her nest is approached • Aggression towards other birds in the nesting area Broody hens should be removed to separate wire coops. There, provided with sufficient feed and water, they should be cured within 3-4 days after which they can be returned to the flock. Keep a close watch for the next few days, as they may lapse back to being broody. Repeat the above isolation treatment if they do. • Presence of broken eggs in the nests First make sure the culprit is not a snake, rat or other wildlife. As chickens imitate each other and follow suit it is critical that this behaviour is stopped as soon as it is detected. This includes prompt removal of broken eggs and collecting eggs twice a day, and recondition behaviour preparing a bad tasting egg mixture for the culprit hens. • Pecking injuries that effect the feathers, vent, comb and toes • Stress is the most common reason for cannibalism. It is important to pick up early signs and determine the stressor and remove it • Removal of injured birds from flock • Removal of aggressive birds • Provide areas where the birds low in the hierarchy can escape THE CHOOK BOOK | 45