Going broody

[gaited horse]

Is there a way I can get a hen to go broody? I found out one of my RIR hens is a rooster (He hasn't crowd the whole time I've had him) and I would like to get a few babies out of him.

 

[Judy]

Afraid not. You could try leaving a group of fake eggs or golf balls in a nest but it's not likely it will work. If you're just figuring out you have a roo, they may be a little young for broodiness, too. If you're going to keep the roo, maybe you'll get one in a few months or next year, if you're lucky. Henderson's says they are an infrequent brooder.

 

[donrae]

As stated above, you can try to "tempt" them with a full nest, but that's kinda a crapshoot.
What would your plan be for any cockerals you hatch out? That needs to be part of your breeding plan. Trust me, finding them a "good home" is very hard.

 

[gaited horse]

Quote:
Funny story about this roo. I've had him two years since he was a day old he never crowd (smart) he has tiny wattles but he is growing some nice spurs. That could be why my hens have bald backs in spring through summer. If I hadn't seen his spurs yesterday I would of never belived it. I had a BO go broody twice this year so far.