[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Wondering how to tell if a hen is broody? Read on and discover behaviors, signs, and what to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Merriam-Webster defines broody as “being in a state of readiness to brood eggs that is characterized by cessation of laying and marked by changes in behavior and physiology.”<\/span><\/p>\n To put it more simply, when a hen starts to go broody, it means she is showing behavior of wanting to hatch eggs and raise chicks. It is also important to note that if you don’t have a rooster in your flock, the eggs will not be fertilized. However, this will not stop a hen from becoming broody. Sometimes, hens will steal eggs to look after while she is broody.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Usually, hens go broody in the summer months, however it can also happen during other times in the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, some breeds are more likely to go broody than others. Some of these breeds include:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Create a separate brooding nest for your hen. This will allow her to lay comfortably without worry of another hen settling in her nest. In addition, the nest should be close to a separate source of food and water than the rest of your flock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Broody hens don’t leave their nests very often, so it is very important to provide her with a high protein chicken feed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Reasons for breaking a broody hen include:<\/span><\/p>\n There are a few ways that you can break a broody hen.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n When trying this method, give her enough reason to stay outside for a long period. This can be done through giving treats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The important thing to remember with this method is to do this more than just once. That way she won’t think that it is just feeding time. Also, remember to wear gloves! She may try to peck at your hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n This method will stop your hen from having a place to nest. Remove all nesting materials from the coop and surrounding areas too so she won’t have the ability to create a new nest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If your broody hen is a bit stubborn and it seems like nothing is working, try to isolate her. Get a dog kennel or cage big enough for her, place her in it with food and water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Does Broody Mean?<\/h2>\n
When Do Hens Usually Go Broody?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Signs of a Broody Hen<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/span><\/li>\nWhat to Do With a Broody Hen<\/h2>\n
How to Break a Broody Hen<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Remove Her From the Nest<\/span><\/h3>\n
Remove the Nest<\/span><\/h3>\n
Isolate the Hen<\/span><\/h3>\n