what does "gone broody" mean?

[lil_chick_chick]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but im very new at this...so what does gone broody mean? i just got 24 chicks so i need to know for later im sure.....thanks!

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Broody is the term used when a hen decides to sit on a clutch of eggs and hatch them, then raise the chicks. Basically "Mama Mode"

 

[CityClucks]

Yep, what Year of the Rooster said. Even hens that don't have a rooster around can go into "broody" mode. Some breeds are more prone than others to going broody, also known as "setting."

 

[lil_chick_chick]

Oh, Okay, i understand now, thank you!!

 

[rooster-red]

Here is a vid of one of my broodies.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. A broody will set on a clutch of eggs day in and day out only taking enough time off the nest to eat and drink a little then right back on.