Broody but not broody! So confusing.

[JanetRN1]

For OP's case my guess is she's either partially broody or broody-but-does-it-her-own-way. I have a hen that can remain partially broody for weeks before either going "Eh, maybe later" or finally committing to it. She's difficult to break so usually has to be locked up 4 or 5 days.

Nearly all my broodies pace in the breakers. They don't sit since they're not in the nest box.


So the growling is the only odd behavior other than being in the nest box? She could be hiding from the rooster but could possibly be broody instead.

Yes. And it’s very brief and very almost under her breath. It’s not aggressive at all. I’ve turned over the barrels she likes to hide in and she doesn’t seem frantic to get back into them. She’s fine while I sit in the run with them, but if I leave then come back to check on her? BAM! Right back to her cozy spot.
I’m not able to collect eggs until I get home from work and she usually has a couple under her, but doesn’t care in the least when I take them. I did witness her decline the advances of the rooster yesterday, so I’m wondering if it’s a combination of things.
Do they eventually learn to get along?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes. And it’s very brief and very almost under her breath. It’s not aggressive at all. I’ve turned over the barrels she likes to hide in and she doesn’t seem frantic to get back into them. She’s fine while I sit in the run with them, but if I leave then come back to check on her? BAM! Right back to her cozy spot.
I’m not able to collect eggs until I get home from work and she usually has a couple under her, but doesn’t care in the least when I take them. I did witness her decline the advances of the rooster yesterday, so I’m wondering if it’s a combination of things.
Do they eventually learn to get along?

Can't answer on the rooster (never had one) but it does sound like she's broody in this case.