What is Broody?

[ChickenLuva]

Hi,
I've seen the word "broody" used on this site and am wondering if my hen could be feeling this way? I let the birds roam the yard during the day and I've found her sitting around a lot lately...sunny herself or "soaking" in a dust bath hole. She is the one hen I can identify eggs from because they're cream colored and shaped like footballs. I haven't seen an egg from her in several days. Could she be "broody?" What are the symptoms of this. She's been a little extra affectionate, running to me and squatting for petting.

She did just loose a companion rooster, but was still laying after that happened. The rooster had splayed hips and didn't move around well, she spent lots of time tending to him. He passed recently.

Any ideas what might be going on with her?

 

[bloomnbeauty]

Broody is the word used when a hen wants to sit on a clutch of eggs. She should be trying to sit on her nest not in a dust bath. If your hen has stopped laying then I would look for another answer.

Sorry for the loss of her rooster companion and it maybe a simple as her missing him.

Could be that she is egg bound but I haven't had any experience with that. Maybe someone on the board can tell you what to look for.

Hope she gets better soon.