A Guide to Broody Hens

A broody hen is one that has the instinct to hatch eggs, and while it might seem natural, many modern chicken breeds have had this trait selectively bred out. This is because, in commercial egg production, hens that go broody are less desirable—they stop laying eggs and focus on incubating their clutch instead.

Signs of a Broody Hen

Broody hens can display a range of behaviors. You’ll notice that they can be quite territorial, often growling or even pecking if you approach their nest. They’ll spend long periods sitting on the eggs, only leaving to eat, drink, or relieve themselves. Additionally, they may pull out feathers to line their nest and stop laying eggs altogether once they've gathered a clutch of around 8-12 eggs.

What to Do With a Broody Hen

When faced with a broody hen, you have two options: let her hatch eggs or discourage the broody behavior.

Option 1: Let Her Hatch Eggs
If you decide to let her incubate, she’ll take care of everything, including keeping the eggs warm and teaching the chicks how to forage. You can even give her fertilized eggs from your rooster or purchase them from local breeders. It’s important to give her eggs at the same time to ensure they hatch together. Be aware that chicks raised by a broody hen might be more skittish around humans than those raised in an incubator.

Option 2: Break the Broody Hen
If you’re not ready for chicks, or you need the hen to lay eggs again, you can try breaking her broodiness. This might involve collecting eggs multiple times a day, moving her to a new location, or even isolating her in a well-lit, active area to disrupt her broodiness. In more extreme cases, a dog crate can be used to cool her down and stop the behavior.

Moving a Broody Hen

If your hen chooses an unsafe or inconvenient spot, it’s okay to move her to a safer nesting area. Prepare the new nest in advance, and do the move at night when she’s less likely to protest. Be sure to handle her gently and keep things calm to avoid stressing her.

Whether you decide to let her hatch eggs or break the broodiness, handling a broody hen with patience is key. Let nature take its course or take charge—either way, a broody hen is an interesting challenge that can bring new life to your flock!