Oh Those Broodies...

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VolailleAmant

VolailleAmant

Songster
Jul 26, 2016
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Michigan
Hi!
Are there certain months of the year that hens tend to go broody?
I have a Silkie hen that has began to lay a week or so ago, and I was just wondering, can you force a hen that tends to be broody to actually go broody?
Thank you!
 
You can't force them.

I do believe you can tempt them. I think the feel of a clutch of eggs under them can help trigger the hormonal changes that cause brooding. It's by no means a certain thing, but in my mind, doesn't hurt to try when I want a broody. I've used either real eggs, well marked with a Sharpie and later sacrificed, or fake eggs/golf balls/whatever. Keep 6-8 in the nest the hen uses.

If she's just started laying, give her a month or so. That should be about right for both her laying and time of year.
 
donrae said:
You can't force them.

I do believe you can tempt them. I think the feel of a clutch of eggs under them can help trigger the hormonal changes that cause brooding. It's by no means a certain thing, but in my mind, doesn't hurt to try when I want a broody. I've used either real eggs, well marked with a Sharpie and later sacrificed, or fake eggs/golf balls/whatever. Keep 6-8 in the nest the hen uses.

If she's just started laying, give her a month or so. That should be about right for both her laying and time of year.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much! That completely answered my question.
Do you raise Silkies?
 
Not "raise", really. I have a silkie hen who is from spring 14, she's a hatchery bird so not much to look at but has been a dependable broody. I have a silkie rooster from the same batch. I've hatched a few pure silkie chicks, but mostly mixes of silkie and bantam Cochins. I have a few of those hens also to be my broody hens. I'm more interested in hatching large fowl, so most of them only get to set on about 6 eggs.

I did add another buff silkie pullet this year, and two silkie cockerels. the cockerels are going over my Delaware pullets for sex linked chicks, they'll be similar to the goldentops found in the UK. I may also put them over some of my barred hens for black sex link chicks. Who knows what the breeding pens may churn out this year? Lots of possibilities
lol.png
 
donrae said:
Not "raise", really. I have a silkie hen who is from spring 14, she's a hatchery bird so not much to look at but has been a dependable broody. I have a silkie rooster from the same batch. I've hatched a few pure silkie chicks, but mostly mixes of silkie and bantam Cochins. I have a few of those hens also to be my broody hens. I'm more interested in hatching large fowl, so most of them only get to set on about 6 eggs.

I did add another buff silkie pullet this year, and two silkie cockerels. the cockerels are going over my Delaware pullets for sex linked chicks, they'll be similar to the goldentops found in the UK. I may also put them over some of my barred hens for black sex link chicks. Who knows what the breeding pens may churn out this year? Lots of possibilities
lol.png
Click to expand...

Isn't it fun to breed? I am going to try to breed and hatch some mixed breeds this year, including : Belgian Mille Fleur d'Uccle, Silver Sebrights, Splash Silkies, Brassy Back Old English Game, and Buff Silkies.
I am showing some this year also
celebrate.gif
 

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