The Chicken’s Role in Egg Incubation

Many people wonder what a chicken does to an egg. Chickens have a unique relationship with their eggs, a relationship shaped over generations of selective breeding. Most often, a hen lays an egg and leaves it shortly thereafter, thanks to the instinct to sit on or 'go broody' being selectively bred out. However, some breeds retain this natural behavior, leading to fascinating and sometimes challenging scenarios.

Modern Chickens and Egg Incubation

Most modern breeds of chickens, such as the White Leghorns used in industrial egg production, have lost the instinct to sit on eggs. Broody hens, those that want to hatch their eggs, consume a significant amount of resources and do not lay more eggs during their broody period. Without a rooster, the eggs cannot hatch, making broodiness less beneficial from a farming standpoint.

Broody Hens: A Natural Instinct

Some breeds, like Cochins, Silkies, Marans, and Orpingtons, still retain the broody instinct. These hens will lay a clutch of eggs one at a time over seven to ten days. Once the clutch is complete, the hen will sit on them, ignoring all other activities until the eggs hatch, usually 21 days later. The hen’s protective behavior ensures the eggs remain safe from potential predators and other chickens. However, if the eggs are not fertilized, the hen may continue to sit on them, as her cue to stop is feeling the chicks hatching.

Observing Broodiness in a Domestic Chickens' Life

I have personally witnessed this behavior in a small flock of a dozen hens and a rooster. While laying an egg is common, other hens often occupy the nest to lay their own eggs. Occasionally, a hen decides to be broody and remain on the nest for the entire three weeks. This period requires constant attention to keep the eggs at the optimal temperature and humidity for hatching.

In cases where a broody hen is successful, she will actively protect and care for the newly hatched chicks. In my experience, only one chick survived to adulthood, moving outside the coop and nesting in the weeds near the garden. This scenario highlights the importance of a nurturing environment for chicks during their early stages.

The Challenges of Broodiness

Despite the natural instinct, broody hens face several challenges. While incubating, they do not eat or drink, which can lead to significant weight loss. Hens that have stopped laying eggs during this period may have compromised egg-laying potential in the future. Additionally, other chickens and the rooster may sometimes attack a broody hen, as they see the nest as a prime spot for their own eggs.

Conclusion

The role of a chicken in egg incubation varies significantly based on the breed and the hen’s individual behavior. Understanding the natural instincts of broody hens can provide valuable insights into chicken husbandry and egg production. Whether through personal experience or scientific research, these insights are crucial for anyone managing a small flock of chickens.