Broody pullets

[mahsmaj]

Could a 5 month old pullet go broody and hatch eggs???

 

[estpr13]

Has she been laying eggs?

 

[mahsmaj]

not yet. but i was told that she should start anytime now...

 

[estpr13]

Most big breeds will start laying at about 26 weeks of age. Some bantams will start sooner. I've read that the 'Comets' , a hybrid will start laying at about 20 weeks of age. I doubt that a hen would become broody until she has been laying for 5 or 6 weeks. which is the earliest I've had one start and that was suprising. And even if she does get broody it probably will not last as the really young ones tend to get bored and will abandon the nest. (Typical teenager!)

 

[keljonma]

Going broody is a hormonal change the bird goes through. It is possible that what you are seeing is her body getting ready to start lay.

Having a broody girl can be a wonderful thing ...

We have one Jersey Black Giant hen that started laying eggs on her 5th month birthday. Then she went broody at 6 months 6 days, and at 8 months of age, and at 13 months of age, and at 18 months of age.

In fact, she is currently sitting on another nest of eggs - Broody Again!

 

[estpr13]

Good point about the hormonal change, Keljonma. She probably doesn't know what is going on yet. I've seen that look.