Will a broody hen go broody each year? Is there a upper age for broodiness?

[SIMZ]

Hi all! We have a hen that has raised chicks for us each year. She is now 3 years old. So far this year she hasn't gone broody and I'm disappointed. Is it not a given that they'll go broody each year? Is she too old to be broody? Thanks!

 

[iwiw60]

It could very well be that she's reached 'retirement' age, but then again I've heard of broodies carrying on for considerably longer. If she's been a super broody for you I well imagine she has "earned her gold star" .... love on her, she's been so good to you!!

 

[SIMZ]

She actually became broody not long at all after I posted this. I just got her situated with some eggs, so we'll see how she does.