Will old girl no longer laying go broody

[Oz Chook]

I have a 6 year Pekin girl who no longer lays eggs. Every now and again she will sit for a few days. She's always been known for going broody - has raised more chicks than layed eggs I think!

She's been hand raised so she's never been bothered about me fussing around under her, so normal chicken behavior doesn't apply here! The next time I'm going to pop one of the other girl's eggs under and see what happens.

Just thought I'd hear some opinions in the mean time.

Look forward to hearing what others think!

 

[ColinK48]

If she wants to hatch eggs you could totally let her, as long as she is in good health.

 

[Fishkeeper]

I'm guessing she might not have all the hormones required to make her fully broody, but I don't know for sure.

 

[aart]

She's been hand raised so she's never been bothered about me fussing around under her, so normal chicken behavior doesn't apply here!

Yeah, but broody signs can exclude not being able to handle her.
The clucking, the flat as a pancake, the fluffing up.
I have read of a few older non laying birds hatching chicks.