Inducing broodyness

[yyz0yyz0]

Last spring/summer it seemed like I had a broody hen all the time.

Now that I want to raise some chicks, none of my hens has gone broody yet.

Is there a way to entice hens to go broody?

 

[Judy]

I think most people will tell you there is not. I have read rare accounts of doing it by locking them in a dark place for a few days, though.

If that hen is still in your flock, chances are she will go broody again. Or you could get a "broody breed" such as
Old English Game Hen, Kraienkoppe, Silkies and some other game breeds such as Malay.

 

[1muttsfan]

Unfortunately no. Brooding is likely related to underlying hormonal changes. And always seems to occur at the least wanted times.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

Darn,
I was hoping that lighting or food/water or something could be used to induce broodyness. Of course last year when I just wanted them to lay eggs it seemed like there was always one going broody on my, I feel that I had to use my broody breaker cage many times.

Now that I'm wanting one to go broody so I had let her hatch some eggs, no one is going broody. DOH!