Should I stop my hen from being broody

[kp123]

I have 4 hens and no roosters. One hen has started sitting on the nest day and night. I just reach in underneath her while she growls at me and I take the eggs. I have other nests for the other hens. I see a lot of info on here on how to stop a hen from being broody, but, if I don't care that she's broody, SHOULD I stop her? Or should I just let her get it out of her system? Is it harmful to her to be broody? Just curious.

 

[CMV]

Being broody is really hard on a hen's body because they radically decrease their food and water intake. Sometimes they stop being broody for no real reason, but other times they can go on being broody for a whole season. Use your judgment. If you think it's not bothersome then let her go. She may get pretty skinny and scraggly looking, but chances are good it won't kill her. It will make her prone to becoming ill, though. If you decide to break her for her health, put her in a wire bottomed cage in a dim area with no bedding for a couple days. Usually a breeze on their backsides helps break the cycle. Return her to her coop after a few days, and if she returns to her nesting box to brood then repeat the procedure until she stops. Sometimes hens can be stubborn about breaking so you may have to repeat the procedure several times.

Good luck.