how to get a hen broody

[chickener]

I am planning on hatching a few chicks during the spring

and am wondering how can you get a hen broody. I have 4LS AND 3RIR hens all under a year

 

[Lollipop]

Never had any LS myself, but I hear they are broody types, at least better than most RIRs. Not much you can do to make them set, except leaving a couple eggs in the nest. They have to make up their own minds, but that will encourage it. Be sure to mark the eggs with a pencil so you can collect the fresh ones..........Pop

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Pop is right, you can lead a hen to eggs but you can't "make" them go broody. It's determined by their own individual temperment, genetics, instinct, hormones, and the little voices only they can hear in their heads. Some breeds, some individuals, are more prone to go broody than others.

You can help encourage a hen who may be showing signs of broodiness (staying on the nest, puffed up over the eggs, growling at your approach) by making that area more quiet & dim, placing a barricade to keep other hens from interrupting her thoughts, hanging sheets or sacks to block the light. Place food & water nearby just for her use, leave room for her to stretch her legs & take a poop. If she remains there for a few days she will probably stay broody. At that time you can either let her continue to brood the eggs she has in her nest or replace them with other fertile eggs.

Remember to do all your work with her & her accommodations well after dark to keep from upsetting her.

My best broodies have been mixed-breed bantam hens. They get started on their own little eggs then I swap them for standard-size ones. One bantam hen even hatched out duck eggs! Of course, when you begin to hatch out chicks, have plans in place for all the roosters you'll make. I wish you great success, it's really fun to have a hen with chicks.

 

[jed2012]

I am planning on hatching a few chicks during the spring

and am wondering how can you get a hen broody. I have 4LS AND 3RIR hens all under a year

what are LS?

 

[kapie9969]

Yes,what are LS? I have cochin bantams,puffy little chickens that i read are good at sitting on eggs.Even larger eggs.Some day ill find out.

 

[Jayzandra]

My guess would be Langshans?

 

[jed2012]

i think its light sussexes