Is broodiness contagious?

[BrianT]

Three weeks ago my cochin decided she wanted to be a Mom. I got her some fertile eggs and then my mutt decided she thought spending all day in the nesting box was a good idea and hasn't been out in a week. Well, a third hen decided she wasn't going to miss out on all the fun. There is an obvious trend here. Can I expect the rest of my flock to cram themselves in the nesting boxes?

 

[KellyHM]

Yes, especially if they are Cochins or Silkies.

 

[Rebel Rooster]

It shore does seem like it sometimes!

 

[Pinky]

I hope not. That would be scary

I never have just 1 broody hen.

 

[nanawendy]

This ? has come up before... and others have said yes. I've only had 1 broody so far, but I take her out as soon as she is surly setting. I equate this w/ the young ladies... I am a medic to during summer camp, They all seem to get going @ the same time. Even first timers. It's a hormonal thing

 

[Marion565]

Seems like it is at my coop

My RiR has been sitting for 11 days and about 4 days ago my 33 week old BO decided it was a good idea to become a mom. I seperated the RIR and I am trying to "break" the BO, but man does she get mad when I take her out of the nest

 

[stilldeb]

I had a splash Silkie start looking like she was going to start setting yesterday, and she has only been laying eggs for a month or so! In fact, we were questioning whether she might secretly be a roo - you know how difficult it is to tell with Silkies. We were relieved when she finally started laying eggs...and now she is trying to go broody!

deb g