Oldest Broody Hen

[suebee]

I'm astounded that my silkie hen just went broody at 7 years old. Fifi hasn't been broody for years, now she is! Who else has had old hens go broody?

 

[centrarchid]

Twelve year old game hens.

 

[suebee]

Twelve year old game hens.

Wow! That has to be a record.

 

[centrarchid]

Wow! That has to be a record.

No, others have had older. Fifteen or eighteen I think oldest I have ever heard of. Eggs produced and hatch rate decline. The really old hens seem to have much fewer female offspring,