How To Handle Broody Hens: A Complete Guide

How To Handle Broody Hens

A broody hen can be both a fascinating and frustrating part of keeping chickens. While some owners welcome their birds’ desire to hatch eggs, others find broodiness disruptive, especially when there are no fertile eggs involved. In this guide, you will learn how to recognise, manage and handle broody hens.

What is broodiness?

Broodiness is a natural maternal instinct where a hen wants to sit on eggs to hatch them. When broody, she will spend long periods in the nest box, often refusing to leave. She may fluff up her feathers, cluck softly and even become defensive if disturbed.

I’ve found some breeds seem far more prone to broodiness than others. Silkies, Orpingtons and Cochins seem almost determined to sit whenever they get the chance. In contrast, many hybrid layers rarely show any interest in going broody at all.

How to recognise a broody hen

Typical signs of brrodiness include:

• Staying in the nest box day and night
• Refusing to move even after egg collection
• Puffing up feathers when approached
• Growling, clucking or pecking if disturbed
• Pulling feathers from her breast to create a warm nest
• Eating and drinking less than usual

It’s usually very obvious when a hen becomes broody. Once you’ve seen it, you will be able to spot the behaviour immediately in future.

Why is broodiness a problem?

Although entirely natural, broodiness can create difficulties, particularly if you are not intending to hatch chicks:

• Egg production drops or stops
• Risk of dehydration or weight loss
• Aggression towards other hens
• Blocking nest boxes for the rest of the flock
• Higher risk of lice and mites from prolonged sitting

Without intervention, some hens may remain broody for several weeks.

Managing a broody hen

Let her hatch (if you want chicks)

If you have fertilised eggs and want to raise chicks, you can allow the hen to sit. For me, the best way to do this is to give her a quiet, separate space away from the main flock. This reduces disturbance and gives her easy access to food and water.

If you require a small coop for keeping your broody hen away from the rest of the flock, check out our review of the Mary Coop.

Break the broodiness

If you do not plan to hatch chicks, you will need to break the broody cycle. There are several methods, I find, that can help:

• Remove her regularly: Take her out of the nest to eat, drink and join the flock.
• Block nest box access: Cover or close the nest temporarily.
• Broody cage (cooling cage): Place the hen in a raised wire-bottom cage with food and water. The airflow beneath helps reduce her body temperature and reset her hormones.

I think the broody cage is, overall, the most reliable method. Most hens will give up within three to five days and you won’t disrupt other hens by blocking access to the nexting box.

Monitor her health

Since broody hens eat and drink less, watch closely for dehydration or weight loss. Always keep food and fresh water nearby, even if she chooses not to eat much.

Preventing broodiness

While you cannot prevent broodiness entirely, these steps may help reduce its likelihood:

• Collect eggs promptly
• Limit access to nest boxes when not in use
• Choose breeds less prone to broodiness if it becomes a persistent issue

That said, some hens will go broody no matter what you do. It is simply part of their nature.

When to seek help

If a hen remains broody for too long despite your efforts, or if you notice weight loss, lethargy or other health concerns, consult a poultry vet for advice.

Summary

Broodiness is a natural behaviour that most chicken keepers will encounter at some point. With a calm approach, good observation and a few simple techniques, you can manage your broody hens successfully, whether you plan to hatch chicks or not. Having dealt with many broody hens myself, I’ve found that confidence comes quickly once you have handled it a few times.

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