Going broody

[kelidei]

I am curious--- of the breeds I presently have three are known to be good broodies. I have a buff orpington, black australorp and a bunch of cornish--- so far no one has shown any inclination but I am wondering what signals them to brood--- I am not necessarily looking for any to go broody but am just curious. I check for eggs 3-4 times a day and most eggs are removed immediately after being laid---- would leaving the eggs in the nests longer encourage broodieness? Or is it just something that clicks in them internally?

 

[snowydiamonds]

It may have to do with feed, light, time of year, and I've found if one goes broody, they all join in. Especially the banties, once one hen sits, they all want to sit on nests, they lay eggs in the nests during that entire month as they go into the broody phase and I have had to mark eggs so I would know which ones were the fresh eggs to take out of the nest. I've only had chickens for three years so someone with more experience will let us know more The veterinarian assistant classes I've taken each winter didn't really go into it much so I'm learning first hand.