Will a retired hen sit on eggs?

[joneus]

I'm just curious.

My mom asked me what I plan on doing with my hens once they stop laying & it got me thinking, because I honestly dont know. I tried to avoid it, but they became my pets, and now I cant even think about eating them, LOL!

Anyhow- I would think that they'd lose their hormones along with their eggs, and thus not be interested in sitting, but I could be wrong.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I have some retired hens and they have never sat on eggs.

 

[aoxa]

Some do. Some don't. From what I've read, a good broody is worth keeping for a lifetime.

 

[sourland]

Depends greatly upon the breed and past broody history.

 

[chookhead]

broodynes comes b4 a moult by a month usually and while the mother is raising chicks she moults that wat happens usually fi they dont broody in 5 yrs they wont broody like ever lol