Does a broody hen go into lockdown?

[MemeA]

I discussed this issue with @Beekissed. Her response: a broody hen goes into a state that kind of resembles hibernation. Their kidney function decreases, their need for food and water decreases. She commented that the stench of the broody poo, it's dark color, and the lack of urates are all related to this system shut down. It's not unusual for them to sit tight on the nest for 2 - 3 days without moving. Bee never interferes with her broodies. They only come off the nest when they feel the need to. So, I followed Bee's recommendation. My hen spent several hours off the nest on day 1 and 2. Then she only came off every other day for a while. During the last week, it was almost every day. Her eggs started hatching exactly 21 days after being set. She did not come off the nest during the last 24 hours before hatch.

This is so helpful! I have two hens plastered beside each other and sitting on 9 eggs (the number under each hen changes from day to day!). I expect hatching to occur Friday or Saturday. One hen gets off the nest an hour or so a day, but I hadn't seen the other one off in about 3 days...I was worried to the point where I put about a teaspoon of birdseed and a few bits of cantaloupe on a plate and gave her room service.... Now I know it's normal