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Will a retired hen sit on eggs?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by joneus, Dec 12, 2011.

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  1. Dec 12, 2011 #1
    joneus

    joneus Chillin' With My Peeps

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    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.
     
  3. Dec 14, 2011 #2
    kuntrygirl

    kuntrygirl Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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    I have some retired hens and they have never sat on eggs. [​IMG]
     
  5. Dec 14, 2011 #3
    aoxa

    aoxa Overrun With Chickens

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    Some do. Some don't. From what I've read, a good broody is worth keeping for a lifetime.
     
  7. Dec 14, 2011 #4
    sourland

    sourland Broody Magician Premium Member

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    Depends greatly upon the breed and past broody history.
     
  9. Dec 15, 2011 #5
    chookhead

    chookhead Chillin' With My Peeps

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    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
     

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