How to Make a Hen Go Broody?

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

I have had several different types of chickens for years now and never once has one gone broody. I would LOVE it if one would go broody. I even have a black australorp hen. I thought they were supposed to be good motherly hens?

I let them out to free range as I think it just makes them happier. Could that be a factor? I now have a frizzle and a sizzle hen that I hope will sit. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any responses!

 

[gryeyes]

The quick answer is: you can't.

It's hormonal, and hens go broody or they don't. Some never go broody. Not even when she's one of the "known for broody" breeds. And some you'd never expect can go broody.

Some folks think if they leave eggs in the nest a hen will decide to go broody on 'em. Not when she and her flock mates lay 'em and leave 'em. Some hens can go broody on AIR, nothing in the nest, and some have tried to hatch golf balls, round rocks, and I read of one brooding over a small Tupperware container! Them's some broody gals!

It's totally up to the hen, and she doesn't have any control over it.

 

[MissJenny]

Bring her to my house -- I have had three broodies in 6 months.

It might be the breed... two of mine are cochin -- very common to go broody. The third is a brahma, which is somewhat likely to go broody. What is your frizzle mixed with? I hear silkies go broody fairly often, so your sizzle might... Good luck.


Jenny