Three out of five broody

[texsuze]

I scored the trifecta, I guess. Three out of my flock of five are broody (two Black Australorps and and Ameracauna. Of the two remaining girls, one has never laid (she's yard art), so production is nearly at a standstill!

No complaints, but I'm wondering if broodiness is "contagious" within a flock. I've had hens go broody, one at a time, with no overlap, but never three at once. And these girls tend to stay broody a long time. This is the first time this year for any broody hens, and we've had a hard winter, plus an extended spring; now summer has pounded us with hi temps and humidity.

I'm not concerned about 'breaking broody', or hatching chicks, either. I take the girls off their nest boxes for food, water, and dust baths, and one girl will voluntarily leave the nest box for her grapes in the morning.

Anyone care to share thoughts on flock broodiness?

 

[lightchick]

It can be "contagious", seeing one hen trying to raise a family can make the other ones want to too.

 

[Streetview]

I was just reading how when one hen sees another broody it can follow suit and how nest box curtains can help.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/03/nest-box-curtains-more-than-fashion.html

Broody Deterrence
Broodies inspire other broodies. The power of maternal suggestion is strong and with some hens, the mere sight of another broody on a nest is all it takes to kick her hormones into overdrive. Nest box curtains keep broodies and eggs out of view, reducing the likelihood of a laying flock turning into a sitting flock.

Nest box curtains can be made of lots of materials. I prefer fabric to others I have tried as it hangs well, wears well and can be washed, in theory. I'd rather just throw it out and change the vibe in the coop! Mine are a simple, no-sew curtain that I staple right onto the wood above the nest boxes. Easy in, easy out.