What is what does it mean when a chicken is broody?

A hen is considered broody when she exhibits a strong instinct to incubate eggs and raise chicks. Here's what that means:

• Incubation Instinct: A broody hen will sit on a clutch of eggs (fertile or infertile) almost constantly, usually for the entire 21-day incubation period. She'll only leave the nest briefly to eat, drink, and relieve herself.

• Physical and Behavioral Changes: Look for these signs:

  • Staying on the Nest: She'll spend a significant amount of time in the nest, even when there aren't eggs present.
  • Fluffed Feathers: Broody hens often fluff their feathers to appear larger and more intimidating.
  • Broody Squat: When approached, she might squat low to the ground and make a clucking or growling sound, indicating she wants to sit on you.
  • Refusal to Leave: She'll be very reluctant to leave the nest, even when you try to remove her.
  • Feather Plucking: She might pluck feathers from her chest to line the nest and create better contact with the eggs.
  • Decreased Egg Production: Broody hens typically stop laying eggs while they are broody.

• Importance of Fertile Eggs: If you want chicks, the eggs under a broody hen must be fertile (i.e., fertilized by a rooster). If the eggs are not fertile, the hen will still sit on them for the entire incubation period, which can be frustrating if you're hoping for chicks.

• Breaking Broodiness: If you don't want chicks or if the hen is becoming unhealthy due to neglecting her own needs, you may want to break her broodiness. There are various methods for doing this, such as removing her from the nest and placing her in a wire-bottomed cage to cool her vent area.

• Benefits of Broodiness: If you want to naturally hatch chicks, a broody hen is an excellent choice. She will provide the chicks with warmth, protection, and guidance, increasing their chances of survival.