broody

[pooh731]

How can I tell when my hen goes broody? She just laid her third egg today and after she laid it she stayed in the nesting box even after I picked up the egg.

 

[HEChicken]

You'll know. She won't leave the nest, even at night. She'll fluff up her neck feathers, growl at you and possibly even try to peck at you when you look at her sideways.

Its not unusual for them to stay in the nest for a little while after laying an egg but if she is there constantly (only getting off the nest for a short period each day to eat and poop) for a few days, you might have a broody on your hands.