When do Hens become Broody and hatch eggs? How to hatch eggs?

[Peckyweck01]

For me, i hatch my own chicks most of the time, so i obviously have a rooster. I am not sure if they need a rooster because my hen went broody and at that time she didnt have a roo with her. But, anyway, I think once they get enough eggs which is a clutch of eggs, then they will lay on them for about 3 weeks, be prepared around 2 or 3 days before they hatch and have the time marked on a calendar so you remember. After that time all the eggs that are fertilized by a roo will hatch!

 

[RebekahTN]

They will definitely go broody without a rooster around, BUT if you don't have a rooster the eggs she sits on won't hatch as they won't be fertile.
If you wanted her to hatch some you could buy some fertile hatching eggs and put them under her.

 

[Mvan42]

Ok I didn't read everything but here basic broody information....
1. You can't make them go broody.
2. You must have fertile eggs or they won't develop.
3. You can let them hatch within the flock or separate the broody from the flock. This varies on preference.
4. Mama know best, let the broody do her thing.


At the young age of your girls they most likely won't go broody if they do go broody until they are older. Most wait until they are a year ot two old. What I have read you might be stressing them which could be why they stopped laying eggs. Let them do their thing. Broodyness is a natural process NOT. Something to force which after ready is what you are doing. Some do things to encourage broodyness but putting them in a dark box isn't one.