Brooding Hen questions

[Haddy22]

I have 2 brooding hens... I also have a rooster. Is it possible for the rooster to fertilize their eggs even if they are a different breed? And do hens only go broody if they have been mated with?

Thanks!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Breed does not matter, unless it produces extra bum fluff that inhibits fertilization, but any chicken male can mate with any other chicken female and produce offspring.

Broodiness and egg laying are independent of fertilization or the act of mating.

When hormones and environment are right, a hen will brood whether or not she has mated.

And, a brooding hen will sit and hatch any egg set under her whether or not they are her own.

So set some fertile eggs under your hens to hatch. Mark on each egg date set. Set all eggs at the same time. Pull or prevent hens laying new eggs into the brooding nest to avoid a staggered hatch.

Let us know how it goes. There is a great broody hen thread on BYC for more info.

 

[Haddy22]

Thanks!