One morning, you walk into your chicken coop to collect eggs and notice something unusual—a hen sitting tightly on her nest like a queen guarding her throne. When you reach in to collect the eggs, she suddenly becomes aggressive and pecks your hand.
The next day, the behavior repeats. At this point, you may be dealing with a broody hen. In this guide, you will learn what broody hens are, why they behave this way, and how to manage them safely without harming them.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is a Broody Hen?
A broody hen is a hen that instinctively wants to sit on eggs continuously in order to incubate them. She only leaves the nest briefly to eat, drink, and defecate before returning to her eggs.
Broody hens may even sit on unfertilized eggs or steal eggs from other hens, attempting to incubate them as their own. While this behavior may seem harmless, it can significantly reduce egg production in your flock.
In egg-laying operations, broodiness is often considered a disadvantage because broody hens temporarily stop laying eggs and may encourage other hens to become broody as well.
What Causes a Hen to Become Broody?
There is no single confirmed scientific cause for broodiness, but poultry experts agree that several factors influence this behavior.
Hormones
Broodiness is strongly linked to hormonal changes. When maternal instincts activate, a hen naturally begins sitting on eggs and temporarily stops laying.
Breed
Some chicken breeds are more likely to become broody than others. Hybrid breeds are usually less prone to this behavior.
Breeds more likely to go broody:
- Aseels (Asils)
- Australorps
- Brahmas
- Buff Orpington
- Cochins
- Dorkings
- Faverolles
- Marans
- Silkies
- Wyandottes
Breeds less likely to go broody:
- Leghorn
- Hamburg
- Lakenvelder
- Minorca
- Polish
- Rhode Island Red
Personality
In some cases, broodiness is not breed-related but individual behavior. Some hens suddenly develop brooding instincts without warning. These hens may be calm or protective, but their behavior can change unpredictably.
Age and Season
Older hens are more likely to become broody compared to younger pullets. Broodiness is also more common in spring and summer when temperatures support egg incubation.
Availability of Eggs
Hens are more likely to become broody when eggs are available in the nest. If eggs are not collected regularly, hens may begin sitting on them continuously.
Signs That You Have a Broody Hen
Sitting on Eggs Constantly
A broody hen spends most of her time sitting on eggs and becomes protective of her nest, often growling or hissing when approached.
Sitting Even Without Eggs
Some broody hens remain on empty nests for long periods, indicating strong nesting behavior.
Aggressive Behavior
Broody hens may peck or attack when disturbed and can also become territorial toward other hens.
Increased Vocalization
They often produce loud, unusual sounds to warn others away from their nesting area.
Feather Loss on the Chest
Broody hens pull out chest feathers to create better contact with eggs and improve heat transfer during incubation.
Stopping Roosting Behavior
They may stop sleeping on roosts and isolate themselves in nest boxes.
Pale Comb and Reduced Appetite
Hormonal changes may cause a pale comb, reduced eating, and smaller, stronger-smelling droppings.
How Long Does a Hen Stay Broody?
A broody hen typically remains in this state for about 21 days—the incubation period for chicken eggs. If left undisturbed, she may break broodiness naturally shortly after this period.
However, some hens may remain broody longer or return to normal behavior earlier depending on management and environment.
Risks of a Broody Hen
Prolonged Nesting Behavior
Some hens may refuse to leave the nest even without fertile eggs, leading to health risks.
Abandoning Eggs or Chicks
Not all broody hens successfully incubate eggs; some abandon nests unexpectedly.
Flock Aggression
Other hens may attack broody hens due to territorial behavior.
Parasite Risk
Reduced grooming and dust bathing can increase the risk of mites and lice infestations.
Dehydration Risk
Broody hens may reduce food and water intake, increasing the risk of dehydration.
How to Deal With Broody Hens Safely
If You Do NOT Want Chicks
To break broodiness, regularly remove the hen from the nest and encourage normal flock behavior. Ensure she has access to food, water, and dust bathing areas.
Consistency is key—interrupting nesting behavior early helps restore normal egg production.
If You WANT Chicks
If eggs are fertilized, a broody hen can be a natural incubator. Provide a safe, quiet nesting area with food and water nearby.
The incubation period is approximately 21 days, and disturbing the nest should be minimized during this time.
How to Move a Broody Hen
Separate Into Another Area
Move the hen during feeding time to reduce stress. Monitor her closely to ensure she does not return to the original nest.
Block Nesting Boxes
Physically restrict access to nesting areas or remove nesting materials to discourage brooding behavior.
Use a Broody Breaker Cage
Place the hen in a raised wire cage with no nesting material. Good airflow and lack of nesting comfort help reset hormonal behavior.
Ensure food and water are always available during this period.
Conclusion
Broody hens are a natural part of poultry keeping. While they can reduce egg production, they may also be useful for natural incubation when managed properly.
The key to handling broody hens is understanding their behavior and responding calmly and consistently. With proper care, they can remain a healthy and valuable part of your flock.
