I have 5 laying hens. Three of them are in a constant broody rotation. I have had at least two brooding at the same time for the last week. One of them is on her 3rd round of broodiness in a few months. I separate the offender for a few days to break her, then another one goes right in the cage in her place. Their egg production is minimal and it effects all the other birds. Is there a way to discourage broodiness from even starting or is it just the birds' dispositions? I'm getting really frustrated and am tempted to rehome all three of them. I have a friend with chickens that has never had a broody. Why are mine so crazy?
Its the breed, some are more prone to broodiness then others, You might want to look into getting your hands on some not so broody breeds like sex links.. Mind you there is a chance one may go broody but as I understand its not always the case.
Let's ask, what breed are your broody hens? How old are they? I think it's is the individual hens disposition, rather than breed-excepting a few breeds like silkies that are notoriously broody.
The biggest offender, and most aggressive, is the buff orpington, then the cochin, and a maran. They are just over 1 year old.