How Often Do Hens Go Broody? What Every Chicken Keeper Should Know
If you’ve ever found a hen refusing to leave the nesting box, fluffing up and growling when you approach—congrats, you’ve met a broody hen. But how often do hens go broody, and what does it mean for your backyard flock?
This in-depth guide explains broodiness in hens, how frequently it occurs, which breeds are more likely to go broody, and what you can do when it happens.
How Often Do Hens Go Broody?
On average, hens can go broody once or twice a year, but it depends heavily on the breed, individual bird, and environmental conditions.
Some hens never go broody at all, especially if they come from breeds selectively bred for egg production. Others—particularly heritage and dual-purpose breeds—may go broody multiple times per year, especially in spring and summer.
What Does “Going Broody” Mean?
When a hen goes broody, she’s trying to hatch her eggs. It’s a natural maternal instinct where she sits on eggs (fertile or not) for 21 days, rarely leaving the nest and becoming fiercely protective of her clutch.
Signs of a Broody Hen:
- Refuses to leave the nest box, even at night
- Fluffs feathers, growls, or pecks when approached
- Pulls out breast feathers to warm eggs directly
- Clucks differently—lower and more guttural
- Only leaves nest briefly to eat, drink, and poop
Broodiness stops egg production temporarily and changes a hen’s behavior drastically during that period.
Factors That Influence How Often a Hen Goes Broody
Not all hens are the same. These key factors determine how frequently a hen may go broody:
1. Breed
Breed is the #1 factor. Some breeds are known for strong maternal instincts and frequent broodiness, while others have had it bred out of them.
| Frequent Brooders | Occasional Brooders | Rarely Broody |
|---|---|---|
| Silkies | Buff Orpingtons | Leghorns |
| Cochins | Australorps | ISA Browns |
| Brahmas | Plymouth Rocks | White Rocks |
2. Season
Broodiness tends to spike in spring and early summer. Increasing daylight, warmth, and egg-laying can all trigger the instinct to sit on a clutch.
3. Hormonal Triggers
When a hen lays several eggs in the same nesting spot, her body may increase prolactin—a hormone that kicks off broodiness. It’s a biological response that tells the hen, “It’s time to hatch.”
4. Nesting Environment
Quiet, dark, warm nesting boxes can encourage broodiness. If multiple eggs are left in a nest daily, the hen may interpret this as a “ready clutch.”
How Long Does a Hen Stay Broody?
A broody hen typically stays on the nest for about 21 days—the average incubation period for a chicken egg. If no eggs hatch, she may give up after that or continue sitting if you let her.
Without intervention, some extremely determined hens (like Silkies) can sit much longer, risking their health.
Can You Break a Broody Hen?
Yes, and in many cases, you should—especially if you don’t want chicks or if the hen is sitting on unfertilized eggs.
How to Break a Broody Hen:
- Remove her from the nest multiple times per day
- Block access to nesting boxes temporarily
- Place her in a wire-bottomed “broody breaker” cage with airflow under her to cool her underside
- Reduce nest bedding so it’s less comfortable
Be gentle but firm. Broodiness can be physically draining, so the faster you intervene, the better for her health.
Should You Let a Hen Hatch Chicks?
If you want to expand your flock naturally, letting a hen hatch chicks can be a wonderful experience. It’s low-maintenance compared to using an incubator and helps maintain natural flock behaviors.
Pros of Letting a Broody Hen Hatch Eggs:
- No need for artificial incubators or brooders
- Chicks learn faster and grow stronger under mom’s care
- Reduces work for the keeper—no hand feeding or heat lamps
- Better integration into the flock
Cons to Consider:
- Risk of hatching unwanted roosters
- Hens may abandon the nest if stressed
- Need fertile eggs and proper nesting setup
Pro tip: Mark or date your hatching eggs and check on the broody hen daily to ensure she’s eating, drinking, and staying clean.
Supporting a Broody Hen’s Health
Broody hens don’t eat or drink as often. To prevent weight loss, dehydration, or disease, make sure to:
- Keep food and water close to the nest
- Offer high-protein snacks like mealworms or scrambled eggs
- Clean the nest regularly to avoid mites or soiling
- Remove broken or spoiled eggs from under her
Supporting natural behaviors is part of responsible flock keeping. And if you’re interested in natural, chemical-free ways to care for your birds…
Try Natural Remedies for Broody Hen Care
Herbal calmers, mite repellents, and natural dewormers can all help you care for your broody hens and hatchlings without synthetic chemicals. The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies provides you with over 100 holistic solutions for backyard poultry health, including herbal formulas for stress, immunity, digestion, and more.
Whether you’re planning for chicks or preventing broodiness, this guide is an essential tool for natural chicken keepers.
Build a Broody Box or Chick Brooder with Ease
If you decide to let your hens hatch chicks, a separate broody area or brooder box makes things safer. Using the DIY Woodworking and Survival Plans Guide, you can build:
- Secure broody boxes for nesting hens
- Draft-free chick brooders with temperature control
- Predator-resistant coops with hatching areas
- Mobile chicken tractors for new moms and chicks
It’s the perfect toolkit for DIYers and homesteaders raising chickens with confidence and cost-efficiency.
Conclusion
So, how often do hens go broody? That depends on their breed, age, season, and environment—but for some hens, it can happen once or even multiple times per year. Whether you plan to hatch chicks or break the behavior, understanding broodiness helps you manage your flock naturally and responsibly.
Want to raise your chickens naturally and confidently? Get The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies and access time-tested herbal treatments for poultry care. Need to build a brooder, coop, or hen house? Check out the DIY & Homesteading Plans Guide now and start building smarter today.