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If you’ve been raising backyard chickens for a while, chances are you’ve noticed one of the hens acting a little differently. Maybe she’s been spending all day on her nest, puffing out when you come near, or clucking protectively. This likely means she’s gone broody. If you’ve ever thought about hatching your own chicks, this could be the perfect opportunity.
What Is a Broody Hen?
A broody hen is simply one that wants to hatch eggs. She’ll sit in the nesting box all day and night, only getting up briefly to eat, drink, and relieve herself. Her instincts kick in and she’s committed to incubating a clutch of eggs for about 21 days. Not every breed goes broody often, so it helps to know which breeds are more prone to this natural behavior. Some reliable breeds include Silkies, Cochins, and Orpingtons.
Preparing for Hatching
Once a hen goes broody, you need to make sure she has a quiet, safe place to sit. It’s a good idea to move her to a separate besting area or a broody box to protect her from the other flock members and reduce stress. Provide fresh food and water close by and monitor her weight, health, and temperament during incubation.
Choosing the Right Eggs
You’ll want to give her fertile eggs that are no older than 7-10 days and have been stored properly at a cool, consistent temperature. She can comfortably sit on 6-10 eggs, depending on her size. It’s important not to add more eggs once incubation starts, as all the chicks need to hatch around the same time.
Caring for Chicks After Hatching
Once the chicks arrive, the hen will take on the role of mom, keeping them warm and teaching them to eat and drink. You can support her by providing a chick-safe space with clean bedding, chick starter feed, and fresh water. Keep an eye out for struggling chicks and step in if necessary.
Hatching chicks with a broody hen is one of the most rewarding aspects of backyard chicken keeping. If you’re ready to give the experience a try, Chickens for Backyards is here to help. We have plenty of chicken, duck, turkey, and guinea fowl breeds to choose from. Start planning your next generation of happy hens! Contact us today to learn more!
