How Long Will Hens Stay Broody

Some chicken traits are both admirable and frustrating Patience is an example

 

People often lack patience They grit their teeth waiting at a red light, and zoom off the second it turns green Instant gratification is expected Fortunately, in this fast-paced world, a broody hen teaches us the merits of calmness and patience

 

At one time, the only way to get new chicks was to let a broody hen warm egg for a 21-day incubation period Nature programmed hens to develop a maternal urge, usually in the spring, and raise babies  After filling her nest with fertile eggs she’ll fluff up

Golf Balls Don’t Hatch, But They Help Manage A Broody Hen

A broody hen can either be a frustrating problem or a big help to anyone keeping a flock of backyard chickens
Broodiness results from a strong mothering instinct The hens of many breeds, especially those that lay white eggs, rarely go broody, while other breeds, often heavy brown egg layers with fluffy feathers, are well known for their mothering instinct
It’s easy to identify a broody hen She’ll stop laying, puff up her feathers, sit in a near trance, vocalize with a distinctive squawk when you disturb her, and spend day and night in a nest box