Not all hens go broody, it has been bred out of many breeds. It's a good thing if you want to hatch chicks the natural way, but it's not so good if you only want your hens to lay lots of eggs. They stop laying when they are truly broody. They usually sit in the nestbox day and night, on eggs if they're there, but sometimes they'll sit on a golf ball or a nut or just about anything. They'll puff out their feathers and growl at you, and might peck at you when you disturb them. They also pluck their chest feathers so their body heat will be directly on the eggs. They're just trying to protect their nest. I think it's cute, although it can be a bit scary if you really want those eggs under them...LOL.
I have a Silkie who just hatched out 7 chickies and they are ADORABLE! But now I have a Buff Orp who decided she's broody, too. I don't think I need too many more chicks, but I gave her 3 eggs to see how she does with them.
