any tricks to get a broody hen?

[tdgill]

Quote:
That's about the surest way. I am not a big believer in leaving eggs in the nest in the hopes of triggering a broody. #1. Because I have tried it, with 24 eggs more than enough for my big fat hens to cover, a mixture of fake and real. It didn't work. #2. Because leaving real eggs in the nest is a good way for them to get broken and have your chickens discover how tasty eggs are.
If a hen is going to go broody, she will do so on a rock.

another great post from gritsar! ON A ROCK!!! I believe you!

Guess I'll make some bread pudding...

 

[UGAchick]

I am new to the whole broody thing and was wondering the same thing. Should I continue to collect eggs everyday if no one is sitting on them, or should I leave them in hopes of building a clutch worth being broody over?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
IMO, you are better off removing them. All it takes is one broken egg for chickens to discover how tasty eggs are. Refer to this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=345961

If a hen really wants to go broody, it doesn't matter whether she has a pile of eggs to sit on or not.

 

[tdgill]

well to my surprise...my little neighbor came over to help me gather up the eggs today...15 or so, and guess what? My little red hen that went broody last year is sitting! I thought after 11 eggs and no broody that we'd given it a fair shot. I wanted to wait another day though so my little neighbor could have fun collecting all those eggs. And I HAVE A BROODY!!!!

 

[UGAchick]

Congrats!! I'm jealous!!

 

[tdgill]

maybe 15 was her magic number. lol. she's still on the nest! I guess I'll know for sure when nightime comes?

 

[UGAchick]

So my silkie got the hint. I just watched her build a nest (she doesn't use the nesting box), lay an egg, and sit on it. I am so excited that she is broody!!

But, she is only sitting on one egg. Seems like a lot of work for one egg. Can I sneak the two eggs that were laid (and subsequently placed in the incubator) yesterday? They will only be a day apart. The other hen should lay an egg today, too. So if I can get all of them under her, that would be 4 total. Seems a little more worthwhile. Will this work?

 

[MareeZoCool]

Give them private spaces, so they feel secure and hidden. My hen chose a 34-gallon plastic tote that was laying on it's side. She enjoyed the cave-like enclosure. Once I noticed she was oficially broody, I sectioned off her side of the coop, giving her total privacy from the roo & the other hens.