When getting a hen broody...

[bigreyhorse]

I have a hen in a large dog cage covered with sheets for it to be darker (with the top uncovered for some light), I have 4 dummy eggs, food and water in there and she has calmed down since I put her in there. She gets up from her nest wanting out when I come in, but when she thinks I'm gone she settles back into her nest on the eggs.
When can I put fertile eggs in with her? Would it definitely be too soon right now since she is getting up from her nest?

Alison

 

[HEChicken]

Was she broody before you put her in the dog crate? I ask because you can't make a hen go broody - you just have to wait until she gets in the mood all on her own.

 

[Maryallison]

Yeah...I didn't think you could make a hen broody either.....

 

[slightlyscrambled]

uhmmm... its kind of like "you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink"....
a hen goes broody because of hormones, you cant MAKE her go broody. Sorry.....

 

[bigreyhorse]

she was setting longer than usual and making "crackling" sounds when I tried to gather eggs, but she wouldn't stay on them.

 

[NotTheMomma]

When she starts growling, and pecking towards you, and refuses to get off the nest no matter what...then you have a broody.