How to hens go broody? (Sp?)

[rosemarythyme]

Some hens never go broody, some may once or twice but that's all. Breed is an indicator but not 100%, since broodies can pop up anywhere.

Your egg eating problem is a completely separate issue. Not sure what to suggest other than a roll away nest box, or to start over from scratch and NOT start any of the habits that may have led up to this problem.

 

[Viksceeks]

Some hens never go broody, some may once or twice but that's all. Breed is an indicator but not 100%, since broodies can pop up anywhere.

Your egg eating problem is a completely separate issue. Not sure what to suggest other than a roll away nest box, or to start over from scratch and NOT start any of the habits that may have led up to this problem.

So I take it a broody hen is just something that happens. It also sounds to be more of a negative thing verses something I want to happen.

My hens will only eat eggs laid on the ground, I check the boxes numerous times a day and have golf balls in them
I'm going to try the mustard method with some store bought eggs. Is hot sauce too mean for them lol

 

[21hens-incharge]

So I take it a broody hen is just something that happens. It also sounds to be more of a negative thing verses something I want to happen.

My hens will only eat eggs laid on the ground, I check the boxes numerous times a day and have golf balls in them
I'm going to try the mustard method with some store bought eggs. Is hot sauce too mean for them lol

Yes broody is something that just happens.

Most high production breeds have had the tendency to go broody bred out of them. Sure once in a while someone will have a leghorn or sex link that goes broody but it is rare.

Some breeds have kept the broody tendencies like bantam cochin and Silkies.

 

[Cryss]

I have a question. I have a broody hen. She’s been sitting for like 8 weeks now. Omg when will she ever stop. I feel so bad she just sits in there. It’s so hot too.

She may die if she is broody but is not hatching eggs. Obviously she isn't hatching eggs if she's sitting 8 weeks!

Are there eggs under her all this time? Is there a rooster in the flock?

If you have a hen go broody but there aren't any roosters then there are no fertilized eggs for her to hatch. A broody hen will sit on those eggs not eating or drinking much and often not at all. She will stay until they hatch. If they aren't fertile she could well starve herself to death.
In a case like this, or if you are not wanting chicks hatching, you must break the broodiness ASAP! Put her in a dog cage in the run with no straw or litter, preferably with the floor tray removed. The idea is to cool off her belly thus breaking her broodiness. Leave her in the cage with food and water for several days. If she had just gone broody yesterday I'd say 3 days. You may need to leave her longer considering she's been broody for so long. Plus it will give her time to recuperate and get strong again.

 

[Cryss]

I've never had a hen go broody. Unfortunately mine LOVE to eat eggs. So unless I get them to lay in the boxes and collect daily, they eat them. No matter how much feed, oyster shell, vitamins, ect. They follow me like I have treats when I have an egg in my hand.
So my question is, because of this will I ever be able to get a broody hen or have her hatch a clutch out?

I'm afraid you have a bigger problem with the egg eaters than with no one going broody. Once they start eating their own eggs they don't usually stop. It's worth trying the egg eater stopping link suggestions though. Otherwise you might seriously need to consider culling them all and starting over.
Once you have it settled I'd consider including a few hens known for their broodiness. Buff Orpingtons come to mind. They will sit on and hatch everyone's eggs, not just their own. This way you can still have the breeds you want even if they aren't broody type and get babies from them.
But you cannot do anything to make a hen go broody. That's all up to mother nature's hormones.

 

[Viksceeks]

I tried the mustard egg this morning....they ate half the egg these girls are crazy. They did stop at least, they usually devour the entire thing in seconds. I called the pullets over too so they could witness and also try it. Yesterday I got 2 soft shelled eggs so 2 of my pullets started laying finally
My girls are entertainment and pets, eggs are just a bonus. I love getting them but I love my ladies more so I'll deal if I can't break the egg eating.
I'm really hoping one of my other girls will hatch some babies out for me down the line. I have a red sexlink, barred rock, Easter egger, australorp and a white unknown coming into laying

 

[ncymst]

Yes broody is something that just happens.

Most high production breeds have had the tendency to go broody need out of them. Sure once in a while someone will have a leghorn or sex link that goes broody but it is rare.

Some breeds have kept the broody tendencies like bantam cochin and Silkies.

She is an Americana black lays blue eggs. Haven’t had any from her in months. Today I’ve picked her up and put outside 2 times. She eats grass like she’s starving. I don’t want her to get Sickly and die.

 

[21hens-incharge]

She is an Americana black lays blue eggs. Haven’t had any from her in months. Today I’ve picked her up and put outside 2 times. She eats grass like she’s starving. I don’t want her to get Sickly and die.

Time to break that broody.

A wire dog crate with smaller wire added for better footing like 1/2" hardware cloth. Set it up on bricks or 2x4's in the shade where she is near/with the other birds.
Be sure to have good and water in there with her.
A sour cream container or such can be secured to the corner easily.

 

[cmom]

I have a bird that is a constant broody (RIR). She will sit on any eggs. Every day I toss her out of a nest box and then she will go and eat and drink some. Most of my birds go broody in the spring and of course there are always exceptions. My Leghorns are my least broody's but I have had some over the years that wanted to. Good luck and have fun...

 

[Cryss]

I tried the mustard egg this morning....they ate half the egg these girls are crazy. They did stop at least, they usually devour the entire thing in seconds. I called the pullets over too so they could witness and also try it. Yesterday I got 2 soft shelled eggs so 2 of my pullets started laying finally
My girls are entertainment and pets, eggs are just a bonus. I love getting them but I love my ladies more so I'll deal if I can't break the egg eating.
I'm really hoping one of my other girls will hatch some babies out for me down the line. I have a red sexlink, barred rock, Easter egger, australorp and a white unknown coming into laying

If they keep eating the eggs they'll just eat those at some point. I hope you can break the egg eating.