How do I get my hen to be broody?

[killer_diller_chick]

I just got two young Delawares . One male , One female. I want her to hatch out her eggs in the spring. I believe that to be a good quality in a hen. How do I help her to be broody?

 

[Matt A NC]

Delawares are not a really broody bird. One will go broody from time to time, but most will never go broody.

If yours is one that will go broody, then make sure she has a clean & quiet nest, plenty of good food, and keep her healthy.

Some folks will leave fake eggs in a nest to help 'encourage' a hen, but I have always found that a broody inclined bird with go broody whether there are eggs in the nest or no eggs.

Matt

 

[Kittymomma]

Get a bantam and give her your Delaware's eggs to hatch out.

 

[Mahonri]

or buy an incubator.

 

[wisefool]

My BO went broody after 27 weeks. How old are your hens?

 

[MariposaMama]

Quote:
I second this. Get an incubator, hatch out a bunch of roo chicks and then your hen is sure to go broody, probably to hatch out more roo chicks.