For the past three weeks overall egg production has dropped our coup and the dreaded broodiness has set in. Our once inquisitive, loving Pekin Bantum has been transformed into an agoraphobic, angry recluse.

No matter how fast we remove eggs, as soon as they’re replaced, Bruno is back at her post, guarding her spoils.

Experienced poultry keepers have suggested a variety of tricks and witchcraft to snap her out of her spell but to date her motherly instincts have overpowered our efforts.

A dunk in a bucket of water just left her a little damp, a night in the garden may have made her shiver but did nothing to deter her and a run around the garden simply heightened her aggravation.

Any attempt to lower her body temperature has been met with blunt refusal. So, where do we go from here?

I’m tempted to wait it out but I miss my daft ball of fun that is Bruno!

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