There really is no way to induce broodiness. Their bodies tell them when/if it's time. Some breeds are more prone to broodiness than others, but no guarantees. Any hen CAN go broody, but many never will. Much natural broodiness has been bred out to increase egg production (broodies don't lay while broody). I have 25 hens, one goes broody every summer several times. I have a couple that flirt with it but never commit. I have a 5 year old EE that has gone broody this week, first time ever for her (it's too hot and i'm not letting her sit). If you really want a broody then I'd suggest getting hens from a breed that commonly go broody, and then cross your fingers. And first time broodies may not commit, and may leave the nest and eggs to die. I always give them some golf balls or false eggs for a few days to make sure they look like they are really going to sit, before I give them real eggs, unless it's my proven girl who sits like glue.
