I know it’s hormonal but...

[Ashlie2001]

How do I get a hen to go broody?

 

[The Happster]

A hen goes broody when she wants to go broody.
However you might be able to encourage her to.
Certain breeds are more likely to go broody. And it depends on the hen as well.
Leaving the eggs in the boxes could work, but it's definitely not guaranteed.
You could try and darken the eggboxes or something.
I doubt you'll manage it though.

 

[Mamatomany123]

What breed do you have. Some go brooding easier than others.

 

[Alaskan]

I find that if eggs are left in the nest boxes at least some of my hens go broody

You can use fake eggs too, so you don't have to worry about creating egg eaters or getting slightly incubated eggs in your omelet

 

[The Happster]

Or use golf balls if you don't have fake eggs.