Broody chickens

[Davwan]

I have one chicken that went broody. Other hens going broody too. If one is broody will they all go broody?

 

[sunflour]

Broody breeds broody. I think it is common that their pheromones can effect others. Like young women in dorms start having monthly cycles at the same time. But I would not expect all in the flock to be broody at the same time.

Welcome, glad you have joined us.

 

[Davwan]

OK.Thanks for the help

 

[drumstick diva]

What breeds do you have? Generally the broody breeds are Buff orpingtons, Cochins, silkies etc. Some breeds never go broody When a hen is broody, she will hatch other fertile eggs (any breeds) that you put under her.

 

[nj2wv]

welcome to BYC !!

 

[bigbruce]

I don't know if there's any science behind it but I say yes.I have 30 silkies and 15 are broody right now

 

[sunflour]

If you search for "broody or broodiness and contagious" this is an issue among many flock owners.

There are a number of scientific studies that suggest the trigger for the increased Prolactin levels and resultant broodiness is what we do to encourage our hens to use our nests - dim light, comfortable nest, and fake eggs. Also seeing multiple eggs in a pile.

But here's one reference from My Pet Chicken that reports too much calcium in the diet can trigger the Prolactin surge : http://www.mypetchicken.com/hatching-eggs/chapter-4-choosing-between-an-incubator-and-a-hen.aspx

Their example was silkies and high broody rates when they gave them oyster shell supplement.

Wondering - are you feeding layer feed which has calcium and also giving oyster shell supplements?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Davwan]

I was then I stop with the oyster shells

 

[sunflour]

I was then I stop with the oyster shells

I don't think it will stop the current broody issue, but once it runs it course, maybe it will prevent future issues.