What age do hens go broody?

[Maggie C]

Just curious, is there an "age" where hens tend to go broody for the first time? Or is it just "one of those things that can happen"? My girls are six months old and I can't have a roo, but am considering hatching some eggs in the future. I realize it isn't a science, just wondering. My breeds are light Brahma and Australorp.

 

[elmhurst]

In my limited experience, it's been more a seasonal than an age thing. Mine have mostly gone broody in spring, or late winter, with some going broody in the summer. I had one go broody after laying for only a month or two, and another who laid for two years before she ever went broody.

 

[centurion90]

Some breeds have a higher tendency towards going broody than others. My little cochin bantam went broody and hatched me some chicks about a month after starting lay while my other girls have given it a thought. I dont know if season comes into play or not, my girl went broody in october. Then again, i live in south florida and its basically warm all year.

 

[Happy Chooks]

My first girl went broody at 7 months old. 2nd hen at almost a year old. Others (like a light brahma) I've had for 3 years and have never gone broody. You just never know.