Pattern of broodiness

[Juno's Chicks]

I have a Barred Rock that I think maybe broody or is starting to become....

Just a quick question.... does a hen gradually become broody or is it like a switch (BAM! I'm broody!!) ???

I want to get some eggs and don't want to get them if she's not. She was on the nesting box last night around midnight but was off this morning and someone else was in the box.
They all have always been great roosters on the poles.


Thanks!!!

 

[Candyman]

I just experienced it in the last 3-4 days that it is a gradual process. Mine sat in the nest for one day and then even layed an egg the 2nd day. For first 3 days she was not puffing up of making Broody noises, but now she is doing that.