Hens most commonly go broody during the summer months, although it is possible for them to exhibit this behavior at other times throughout the year.
Broodiness is a natural instinct where a hen stops laying eggs and instead focuses on sitting on a clutch of eggs to hatch them. This behavior is largely influenced by hormonal changes and the lengthening daylight hours of spring and summer, which signal to the hen that conditions are favorable for raising chicks.
When to Expect Broodiness
While summer is the peak season, several factors can influence when a hen might go broody:
- Seasonal Influence: The longer, warmer days of late spring and summer are the most common times for hens to become broody. This aligns with nature's cycle for successful hatching and raising of offspring.
- Individual Variation: Even within a flock, some hens may go broody earlier or later than others, or not at all.
- Environmental Cues: A consistent supply of eggs in the nest box can sometimes encourage broodiness, as can a quiet, dark nesting area.
Breeds Prone to Broodiness
Some chicken breeds are significantly more inclined to go broody than others. This trait has been selectively bred out of many commercial laying hens, but it remains strong in heritage and dual-purpose breeds.
Here are examples of breeds known for their strong broody instincts:
- Buff Orpingtons: These gentle giants are well-known for their excellent maternal instincts and frequently go broody.
- Cochins: Another fluffy, docile breed often praised for their broodiness.
- Silkies: These small, feathered-leg chickens are famously broody and make excellent mothers, often used to hatch eggs from other breeds.
- Brahmas: Large, calm birds that are also reliable setters.
Conversely, many modern hybrid layers, such as most Leghorns or Cornish Rocks, have had their broody instincts largely bred out to maximize egg production.
Identifying a Broody Hen
Recognizing a broody hen is usually quite straightforward. She will display several distinct behaviors:
- Remaining on the Nest: She will stay in the nest box for extended periods, even when there are no eggs, or she will gather a clutch of eggs and sit on them constantly.
- Aggressiveness: She may become protective and "fluff up," peck, or growl if approached or if you try to remove eggs from under her.
- Feather Plucking: She might pluck feathers from her breast to line the nest, providing a warm, soft bed for her eggs and allowing better skin-to-egg contact for warmth.
- Reduced Activity: She will eat, drink, and defecate less frequently, often making one large, smelly "broody poop" per day when she briefly leaves the nest.
- Pale Comb and Wattles: Due to reduced activity and circulation, her comb and wattles may appear paler than usual.
Understanding the typical timing and characteristics of broodiness can help backyard chicken keepers manage their flock effectively, whether they want to encourage hatching or discourage the behavior to maintain egg production.
