Is there a way to make a hen become broody?

[grnidone]

Most people ask the question,"How do I break a hen that has become broody," But I want to go the other way:

Is there a way to encourage a hen to become broody?

I have one hen that won't lay, but might make a good Mama this next spring. I'm wondering if put her in a nesting box with fake eggs to sit on so she gets used to sitting on eggs, if it will put her in the Mama mood?

 

[SeaPolka]

There's no way to guarantee a pullet will brood even if you leave eggs in the nest box. You can make it seem like a good place to brood by keeping the nest box dark, full of nesting material and a few eggs in

 

[sylviethecochin]

Broodiness is strongly influenced by breed. What is she?

 

[grnidone]

She's a Barred Rock.

 

[grnidone]

OK...I found this very fascinating thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/can-you-make-a-chicken-go-broody.1019114/

Apparently, putting fake eggs into the nest gradually until there is a dozen (or so) can encourage a hen to become broody.

I'm so gonna try this in the Spring....can't hurt!

 

[speckledhen]

Most of my hens do not have a broody bone in their bodies. I could leave a dozen eggs in a nest and gradually, they'd kick them all out. Others, I cannot stop no matter what I do. If they don't have that trait, and many do not, even breeds that should (thanks to hatcheries giving folks what they want, egg layers) do not brood. My hatchery Brahmas never did. My breeder quality ones are very broody.

Doesn't hurt to try but it's based on hormones and if she is lacking the broody trait, nothing will make her.