Is it possible that introducing new chicks to my flock has made one of my hens go broody?

[temple1612]

Is it possible that adding new chicks to a flock could make a hen go broody? I ask because yesterday I introduced some 6.5 week chicks to my flock and now one of my hens seems to want to brood (she is sleeping in the nest). She is a proven broody who has hatched 3 clutches.

Or is this just a coincidence.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Coincidence. I have started to get some tentative broodies because spring is on it's way.

 

[azygous]

If she's in the nest and not trying to care for the chicks, then her going broody is a coincidence.

However, it is possible for baby chicks to trigger broodiness. A few years ago, I brooded three chicks in the run where the adult flock was exposed to them from day one. When they were six weeks old, an older hen became

broody and took over their care. I knew she was broody because she would emit the rapid broody "cluck". She remained broody until they were nearly four months old, and she saw to their care, feeding, education and protection up to that point. This is Su-su and her three "chicks".

 

[temple1612]

If she's in the nest and not trying to care for the chicks, then her going broody is a coincidence.

However, it is possible for baby chicks to trigger broodiness. A few years ago, I brooded three chicks in the run where the adult flock was exposed to them from day one. When they were six weeks old, an older hen becameView attachment 1266174 broody and took over their care. I knew she was broody because she would emit the rapid broody "cluck". She remained broody until they were nearly four months old, and she saw to their care, feeding, education and protection up to that point. This is Su-su and her three "chicks".

Well they are separated by wire mesh until the chicks get bigger.

 

[Folly's place]

Hens go broody when the spirit and hormones move them. Maybe coincidence, maybe chicks were a trigger. I wish it was that simple!
Mary

 

[temple1612]

Hens go broody when the spirit and hormones move them. Maybe coincidence, maybe chicks were a trigger. I wish it was that simple!
Mary

Some humans get baby fever. Maybe chickens do too.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some humans get baby fever. Maybe chickens do too.

I get puppy fever constantly.