What is a broody hen?

A broody hen is a hen that has entered a state of wanting to incubate eggs and hatch chicks. This is a natural instinct.

• Signs of Broodiness: A broody hen will exhibit several telltale signs:

  • She will stay in the nesting box almost constantly, even at night.
  • She will fluff up her feathers and may cluck defensively if you approach her nest.
  • She may pluck feathers from her breast to line the nest. This is to improve contact between her skin and the eggs, improving incubation.
  • She will refuse to leave the nest to eat, drink, or dust bathe.
  • Her droppings may be larger and smellier than usual because she only leaves the nest infrequently.

• Breaking Broodiness: While broodiness is natural, it's not always desirable, especially if you don't want chicks or if the hen becomes overly focused on the nest and neglects her own health. There are several methods to "break" a broody hen:

  • Isolation: Separating the hen from the nest, usually by placing her in a wire cage with food and water but no bedding, can help disrupt the hormonal cycle that drives broodiness. This is linked to the following page: Isolation
  • Cold Treatment: Some people suggest placing ice packs under the hen's breast to lower her body temperature. This is generally not recommended as it can be stressful and potentially harmful to the hen.
  • Removing Nesting Materials: Consistently removing eggs and nesting materials from the coop can discourage the hen from staying in the nest.

• Allowing Broodiness: If you want chicks, allowing a hen to be broody is the natural way to hatch them. Ensure she has access to fresh food and water nearby and provide her with fertile eggs. A good mother hen will turn the eggs regularly, maintain the proper temperature, and protect the chicks once they hatch. This subject is linked to the following page: Mother%20Hen

• Potential Problems: While usually not problematic, broodiness can occasionally lead to issues like:

  • Weight Loss: A broody hen may neglect to eat enough, leading to weight loss and potential health problems.
  • Dehydration: Similarly, she may not drink enough water.
  • Aggression: A broody hen can become very aggressive towards other hens or even humans who approach her nest.