Nonlaying broody hen?

[cmobley]

Will a young hen say 14 weeks old go broody even though shes not laid any eggs? Shes a rhode island orpington.

 

[junebuggena]

Probably not. She is most likely sick. Going broody is triggered by hormones. If she's not laying eggs yet, she's not old enough for the hormones that trigger brooding.

 

[cmobley]

Ok i was just wondering if i could try to make her go broody im trying to make my laying wyandottes but thats not working to good didnt know if i should try that younger hen shes in a pen by herself.

 

[junebuggena]

You can't make any hen go broody. It's all hormonal and there is nothing you can do to make it happen. Some breeds have had broodiness almost bred completely out. Some breeds go broody often, some breeds hardly ever go broody at all. But it's not something you can control. Either it happens or it doesn't.

 

[cmobley]

Yeah i tried and they keep moving fake eggs from nest and laying a real one but never around nest so i have my electric hen up and warming lol shes always broody! Thanks for the advice yall.