Broody hens can be a challenge for backyard chicken keepers. When a hen decides to sit on eggs—whether fertile or not—she becomes protective, stops laying, and may even neglect her health. If you’re wondering how to stop a broody hen, this guide will walk you through the best methods to break broodiness effectively and safely.
What Is a Broody Hen?
A broody hen is a chicken that has decided it’s time to hatch eggs. She will sit persistently in the nest, puff up her feathers, and may even peck at you if you try to move her. While this is a natural behavior, it can be problematic if you don’t want chicks or if it disrupts egg production.
Signs of a Broody Hen:
- She refuses to leave the nesting box.
- She becomes aggressive when approached.
- She plucks her own feathers to warm the eggs.
- She only leaves the nest once or twice a day to eat, drink, and relieve herself.
- She makes clucking and growling noises when disturbed.
Why Do You Need to Stop a Broody Hen?
While broodiness is a natural instinct, it’s not always good for the hen. Sitting in the nest for extended periods can cause:
- Weight loss due to lack of food and water.
- Feather loss from excessive plucking.
- Stress and aggression toward other hens.
- A drop in egg production in your flock.
If you don’t want to hatch chicks, breaking the broody cycle is essential for the hen’s health and productivity.
How to Stop a Hen from Brooding
Breaking a broody hen requires persistence and consistency. Here are the most effective methods:
1. Remove Eggs Frequently
A broody hen will try to collect a clutch of eggs. To discourage her, collect eggs multiple times a day so she has nothing to sit on.
2. Physically Remove the Hen
Gently take the hen out of the nesting box and place her in another area of the coop. Some hens will break easily after a few removals, while others may persist.
3. Block Off the Nesting Box
If the hen continues returning to the nest, consider blocking it off entirely. You can place a bucket, box, or piece of wood in the nest to make it inaccessible.
4. Provide a Cool, Uncomfortable Nesting Spot
Cooling down her sitting area can help discourage broodiness. Try placing a frozen water bottle or ice pack in the nesting box. This makes it uncomfortable and reduces her body temperature, which is needed for incubating eggs.
5. Encourage Movement
Broody hens stay still for extended periods. To break this habit, lock her outside the coop during the day so she has to move around. Ensure she has access to food, water, and shade.
6. Use a Broody Breaker Cage
A broody breaker cage (or “chicken jail”) is a wire-bottom cage that allows air circulation underneath the hen. The cool air discourages broodiness. Place the hen inside the cage for 2-3 days, ensuring she has food and water.
7. Avoid Feeding into the Habit
Do not let the hen sit on fake or unfertilized eggs or give her extra attention when she’s broody. This can reinforce the behavior.
8. Try a Cold Water Bath (Last Resort)
If other methods fail, dipping the hen’s lower body into cool (not freezing) water for a few minutes can help lower her body temperature and disrupt broodiness. Avoid this method in winter! If done, dry her off afterward.
Which Chicken Breeds Are More Prone to Broodiness?
Some breeds are more likely to go broody than others. If you want to avoid this issue, consider choosing breeds that are less prone to sitting on eggs.
Most Broody Chicken Breeds:
- Silkies
- Cochins
- Buff Orpingtons
- Light Brahmas
- Sussex
Less Broody Chicken Breeds:
- Leghorns
- Rhode Island Reds
- Plymouth Rocks
- Wyandottes
- Anconas
If you’re looking to naturally hatch chicks, broody breeds are an asset. But if you want consistent egg production, it’s best to avoid breeds that frequently go broody.
Final Thoughts on Stopping a Broody Hen
Breaking a broody hen takes time and persistence, but it’s necessary to keep your flock happy and productive. Whether you try removing eggs, blocking nests, or using a broody breaker cage, consistency is key.
If a hen remains stubbornly broody, separating her from the flock for a few days is often the most effective way to reset her behavior. By implementing these methods, you can stop broodiness and keep your hens laying regularly!
