What Is a Broody Hen?

Most chicken keepers explain broodiness, or the instinct that a mother hen has over a brood of baby chicks, as a cyclical phase that chickens may experience from time to time. A broody hen is a female chicken who will not leave her eggs. A broody hen's desire to incubate her eggs may be so strong, that she only leaves her eggs in the nest alone for several minutes a day when she eats and defecates.

  1. When are Hens More Broody?

    • Springtime, when hens are laying a large quantity of eggs, is a common time for hens to become broody. Additionally, two-year-old hens are known to be especially broody.

    Are Some Breeds Less Broody?

    • Some breeds can be less broody and carefully selecting a breed known to be less brooding is important. Selective breeding among certain breeds of chickens, including the Leghorns and Minorcas, has reduced the instincts for broodiness. Some breeds, such as the Silkies and Pekins, are known to be especially susceptible to broody behavior.

    Are Broody Hens Dangerous?

    • Broody hens are often ill-tempered and more likely to peck a hand trying to collect their eggs. Because of their strong mothering instincts, broody hens will fiercely protect the eggs in their nests.

    How Can Broodiness be Lessened?

    • Collecting a hen's eggs regularly will lessen the likelihood of your chicken becoming broody. If the hen's health, or the peacefulness of your hen house, is compromised, remove the hen from her nesting area for several days to break her brooding cycle and stop the broody behavior.