Photo Credit: Annie Corrigan, Indiana Public Media

When it comes to raising chickens, it’s important to understand the difference between broody and non-broody hens. Broody hens have a natural instinct to sit on their eggs and hatch them, while non-broody hens do not exhibit this behavior. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each, as well as some examples of breeds that may fall into one or the other category.

Broody Hens

Pros:

• Broody hens can hatch their own chicks, which can save money and provide a natural way to increase flock size.
• They are good at protecting their eggs and chicks, and will often become more aggressive towards predators.
• Broody hens tend to be more docile and calm, which can make them easier to handle.

Cons:

• Broody hens may stop laying eggs while they are brooding, which can reduce egg production.
• They may become aggressive towards other hens or humans if they feel their nest is being threatened.
• Some broody hens can become too attached to their chicks, which can make them less willing to interact with humans.

Example Breeds:

• Silkie
• Orpington
• Cochin
• Brahmas

Non-Broody Hens

Pros:

• Non-broody hens tend to lay more eggs, as they do not stop laying to sit on their eggs.
• They are generally less aggressive towards humans and other hens, which can make them easier to handle.
• Non-broody hens can be easier to integrate into an existing flock, as they are less likely to become territorial.

Cons:

• Without a broody hen to hatch eggs, you’ll need to rely on an incubator to hatch new chicks.
• Non-broody hens may be less nurturing towards their chicks, which can require more human intervention to ensure their survival.
• They may be more susceptible to stress and disease, as they are less likely to exhibit natural behaviors.

Example Breeds:

• Leghorn
• Rhode Island Red
• Plymouth Rock
• Sussex