Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
hen go broody — sticking to her nest, fluffing up, and making a distinctive clucking
sound.
How Do I Know If She's Broody?
Identifying a broody hen is not terribly difficult. Many times the beginning chicken
raiser thinks a hen that is setting is not well because she refuses to get off of the nest and
makes strange noises. Do not panic if suddenly one day you find a hen on the nest when
you are gathering eggs. Her whole demeanor will change when she wants to be a mom.
You may find that she makes a different-sounding cluck, fluffs up, and squawks, or even
pecks at you.
Ducks and geese exhibit the same sorts of behaviors as chickens when they become
broody. The duck hen will hiss, puff up, and usually try to bite you. Geese are by far
the most aggressive and if you don't fend them off, they grab any exposed flesh they
can find on you and twist, leaving bruises and blisters. The sweetest old goose friend of
yours will literally twist your arm off during breeding season when she goes broody. Al-
ways be careful when you bend over; broody geese will take advantage when your back
is turned and leave you with a rather painful reminder of who is in charge.
Isolate your broody hen in a separate nest box with some artificial eggs to test her com-
mitment.
