I love broody hens. Take advantage and pat 'em! I've always wanted a couple sittin' in the nesting boxes, mine run away whenever I go near them usually.
Fortunately I am immune to Messr. Sourland's powers and am not afflicted with broodies.
Well, except for the Dragon Queen. She's a Midget White turkey and is a most determined wanna-be-mom when the mood strikes her. I think she absorbs all the avian broodiness in the neighborhood. The K. Major and the wife refuse to cross her without a long stick to lever her out of the nest box when they gather the eggs. The K. Minor refuses to go anywhere near her. She gets a mite testy when someone disturbs her on the nest!
Having nothing but females in my household I take it all in stride. What's one more cross, crabby female?