Do older hens go broody?*Update Already!!*

[justafewchickens]

I have a barred rock hen that is about 4 or 5 years old. She has never went broody on me. Two weeks ago I had a bantam setting eggs. I go to feed them and the barred rock is sitting on them. I think oh no, she is sick. I check her eyes and body and she is fine.

I think she is sick though, since she didn't act protective of the eggs. Now she will peck me, and seems determined to hatch them. I candled the eggs,and there is movement.

My question is, has this happened to anyone else? I was bummed at first, thought she would ruin the eggs to hatch since my incubator gave up the ghost. Now I'm happy,just puzzled. She has never gone broody before now.
Thank you

 

[HEChicken]

I'm no expert but my understanding is that they are most likely to go broody in their first year and if it hasn't happened by then, the chances become less likely as time goes on. That said, I had an 18-month-old BSL go broody for the first time just last month so its not impossible for an older hen to brood - just less likely.

 

[Lollipop]

Depends on the hen. I`ve had 10 year old hens bood and raise a clutch. Laying seems to slow with age, but the old gals make good moms........Pop

 

[justafewchickens]

Well, I guess she answered for me! Went to check on them and she came out and I thought I jinxed her. Well I hear a peep! I go around to check in the henhouse and in the nest ( bucket) is a chick still a little damp. She made it there before me and got in and started to move the eggs under her,and the chick went in too. She seems to be a calm mother so far, and wanted to show off. So I guess old hens can learn new tricks! ; )