Ok how about a crazy question. Is there anyway to make hens go broody? I have two that have been broody in the past. I would now like one if them to incubate some eggs.
Some have had success with leaving eggs in the nests to simulate a clutch but I've not had any luck with that. Mine pretty much have a mind of their own about when they want to sit.
If you can afford to lose a couple dozen eggs, or better yet buy golf balls, use those. Leave at least 5-7 "eggs" in a nest. Remove all fresh eggs. If using eggs, mark the old ones so you know which to remove. Eventually you will get broody hens. Best months for broody was are May and June.
I have tried every trick in the book over the years, with a known broody breed, and none were successful. There's a broody switch in their little brains somewhere. When it gets flipped on, it's on. Sometimes the problem is trying to get it switched back off.
I have a serama hen like that. Last time she hatched it was because she had outsmarted me and hid an egg in a different hiding spot. Of course the one was a rooster, but he's a good roo. Fortunately, mama serama is getting older and easy to break.
I tried for five years to get a broody out of my brahmas before I gave up. The next spring, a broody brahma. Took me forever to break her.
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