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Broodiness and Natural Incubation

Broodiness: A hen goes broody as an early part of the molting cycle. A broody hen sets on her clutch of eggs to hatch them.

  • Sometimes they will set on an empty nest. Not all breeds go broody as frequently as others.

  • A broody hen leaves her nest only once a day to defecate, eat, exercise, and drink.

  • A broody hen won't leave the nest or will return promptly to it if removed.

  • A broody hen is not friendly; she will growl at you with anger and even make peck.

  • Lift your broody hen off once a day to ensure that she is nourishing herself.

  • Busting of broodies: Sometimes hens will go broody when you don't want them to. Sometimes broodiness can be physically draining on the birds and they need to be stopped. Removing the hen from her nest site and putting her in an isolated area away from the nest ususally works. Defiant birds may need to set on a couple clutches of ice cubes to get the hint.

    Peter J. Willcütt
    urbanagrarian.com@gmail.com
    612.719.1988