Broody hens

[jurrasiccluck]

Hi. I am wanting to know how to quickly make a hen broody. I don't want to separate one and I put eggs in a laying box on the ground, but if there's another way please tell me.

 

[I Love Layers]

To my knowledge you can not really make them, I guess if they can see eggs in a dark secluded place that would encourage them but I feel like it is their own decision. If you want broody hens it is best to buy breeds like Cochins or Silkies that will commonly go broody.

Best of luck

 

[ibarrett]

It's probably best to put fake eggs or golfballs in the laying box, that way the eggs you put in there aren't at risk of being stood on, especially if you have eggs you put to the side for hatching.

I've heard placing a curtain in front of the laying box or just finding a way to make it really dark works. I've also heard that putting a small amount of lavender in the laying box helps.

Do you have breeds that tend to go and stay broody? (a simple internet search could provide you with a list)

Best of luck.

 

[jurrasiccluck]

I have 3 black australorps 1 White Rock and a tiny white leghorn, and when I say tiny she's really tiny. I heard australorps are very good brooders and defensive mother's but I can't get them broody.

 

[I Love Layers]

I have 3 black australorps 1 White Rock and a tiny white leghorn, and when I say tiny she's really tiny. I heard australorps are very good brooders and defensive mother's but I can't get them broody.

Honestly if they do not want to be broody they won't become broody

 

[Folly's place]

Hens will become broody when the spirit (hormones) move them. You can't 'force' motherhood! Leaving some eggs in a nest helps, and then it's genetics and the phase of the moon, or something. Mary

 

[jurrasiccluck]

I know I can't force it, but it would be nice to know when their cycle comes around.

 

[I Love Layers]

I know I can't force it, but it would be nice to know when their cycle comes around.

Whenever they want it to. It's not like a menstrual cycle

 

[the chickentaco]

I never leave a light on for any of mine but my earliest female was an Orpington who'd set up a nest in late March, and start to go broody in early April and finally start sitting full time by May, until she'd hatched a clutch! But in any case I'd go with finding her favorite nest box and putting some fake eggs down and then wait till she's laid at least 2 more before you remove them to keeping her sitting.I like to use straw so it makes them want to nest build!