When is a hen considered broody?

[Hippie Chickie]

Last night when my dh went to lock up the hens one of them was sitting in the nesting box. Today when I went to collect eggs the same hen was sitting in the nesting box, I thought she was just doing her bussiness and left her alone. When I went to lock them up she was still sitting there. On three eggs. I tried to jostle her out of there and saw them. She puffed up and squaked at me so i closed up the box and left her alone. So is she trying to be a mama? She is a hatchery RIR and only 6 months old.

 

[dacjohns]

Sounds like broody behavior to me. Wait and see if she keeps it up.

 

[Hippie Chickie]

Yep, she's still sitting there. Gets all upset with me when I open up the nesting box door. Tonight I'll try to check and see how many eggs she's got under her.

 

[fshinggrl]

So, the question is.. are the eggs fertile? Do you have any roosters? I thought I may have had a broody this morning, but it seems that she was just taking her time to lay her egg (by the other egg).

 

[Hippie Chickie]

We have a rooster, I'm going to check one of the eggs from the fridge to see if they are fertile. I have no idea...