Can I make my hens broody?

[backyardfarmer2]

I thought for sure buff orpingtons were broody. My silkies exhibited no signs of being broody until I replaced the eggs with the golf balls then it was like a light switch went off in their little heads

 

[pinkmartin73]

I had no imediate plans for hatching any eggs. I went out to feed the chickens and collect eggs this morning. Normally if I reach into an occupied box, my girls just scoot over. Not today! One of my RIR's instantly went into velociraptor mode and threatened to eat me alive. Far as I can tell there are 2 eggs under her besides the fake one. Our cockerel is a bantam. Our bantam pullet is not laying yet. I highly doubt the eggs are fertile. He certainly tries but from my observations I don't think he has been successful. I guess I should crack open another egg and check.

 

[nchls school]

I had no imediate plans for hatching any eggs. I went out to feed the chickens and collect eggs this morning. Normally if I reach into an occupied box, my girls just scoot over. Not today! One of my RIR's instantly went into velociraptor mode and threatened to eat me alive. Far as I can tell there are 2 eggs under her besides the fake one. Our cockerel is a bantam. Our bantam pullet is not laying yet. I highly doubt the eggs are fertile. He certainly tries but from my observations I don't think he has been successful. I guess I should crack open another egg and check.

Bantam roosters can mate with much larger hens. Candle the eggs, don't crack them-that is unless you don't want cross chicks.

 

[pinkmartin73]

Bantam roosters can mate with much larger hens. Candle the eggs, don't crack them-that is unless you don't want cross chicks.

I gave her some time and then put on my "I'm not puttin up with your crap" face. I reached right in for the eggs. She left the box. I've not candled them yet. I cracked a couple of eggs from the fridge. To my untrained eye they look like they could be fertile. (Bullseye test).

 

[pinkmartin73]

I candled the eggs I took from her. No veining or obvious development. Whew! Lets hope thats all it took to give up dreams of motherhood for now.