Bunk.
Sorry but you cannot force a hen to go broody, only encourage the behavior. Some breeds have had the broodiness bred out of them. Some are naturally not a broody type. And please try to not be rude to someone stating their beliefs.
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Bunk.
Absolute 100% total best is get some silkies and let them run the house to breed as they deem fit. My way or the highway. Like me 1000x's over as it is deserved.The OP is not looking for a science experiment to judge whether or not she can influence broodiness. She just wants more birds quickly. If she had a currently broody hen, then hatching would be a viable option, but she doesn't. Aside from buying adult birds (which is a whole discussion on it's own) her best bet is to get some chicks.
The numbers were dwindling because of a fox. The problem is gone though.Trying to obtain valid information from a fictional book is not likely to go well. You say your numbers are dwindling. Why are they dwindling? Old age? Predators? If it's caused by something other than old age, then this needs to be addressed first. As far as making a hen go broody? Good luck. Your best bet is to get a heat source and a suitable brooding container and buy some chicks. You can wish/hope/try for a broody hen and still end up never having one.