How do you know if they are sick or broody?

[lanaschix]

Our 9 month old Cochin suddenly won't leave the nesting box the last 2 days. Sits there all day. She looks ok but fights is if we try to take her out. My kids collected the eggs so she's not even sitting on anything! How do you know they are broody?

 

[beetandsteet]

Your hen sounds like she's broody. Growling, refusal to leave the nest, and irritability are signs of broodiness. Broody hens will determinedly sit in a nest even if you remove all her eggs. There are several ways to "break her up" (make her stop being broody) including repeatedly moving her out of the nest. She may not lay for awhile even after she has quit brooding.
But in my opinion, if you can have her hatch some eggs, let her! Watching a hen care for her chicks is really a great thing.

 

[lanaschix]

My kids are begging me to let her hatch some. We don't even have a rooster so if have to get some eggs from someone!