Will a hen past laying age still go broody?

[ShockValue]

I've been looking for a broody girl so we can hatch some eggs in the future. I've found a couple locally, but they are both older birds.

I would assume that if they quit laying, the desire to set eggs would go too, but I don't know for sure.

 

[Stiggy]

Often those past laying age may still lay the occasional egg. I cant guarantee anything broody wise but I would think that it depends on how old they are and what breed. I had a Wyandotte x RIR hen that lived till 13 ( we had to put her down due to a cancerous growth on her face that was spreading) she stopped laying at 8 but went broody at 12. So I do believe that they can go broody in their older years. Have you also considered getting a breed that is prone to broodiness?

 

[ShockValue]

Yes, the prompting of the question came about because I found a nice Bantam Cochin that someone wants to get rid of, but she's about 4 years old and doesn't lay much anymore.

 

[Stiggy]

4 years isn't really that old for a non genetically tampered with breed. If you do decide to get her then I would suggest that you leave a few bait eggs in the nest at all times to encourage her to think about it

 

[ShockValue]

Thanks! I'll see if the girl gets my wife's seal of approval