Broodiness and Broody Hen Management During Egg Incubation

Abstract

Broodiness behavior is usually seen in avian species. This behavior is dominant in wild birds and indigenous poultry compared to modern egg-laying strains. Eggs laid by indigenous chickens are usually hatched by the broody hens. Due to broodiness behavior, the broody hen sits on a clutch of eggs and incubates them to get offspring. Small-scale farmers generally depend on the broody hen to procure chicks. Like an artificial egg incubator, the broody hen controls temperature, humidity, aeration, and turning by herself. The hatchability of broody hen reported seems similar to an artificial egg incubator. The broody hen might be acknowledged as a natural incubator for operational efficiency and effectiveness. Although broodiness is associated with reduced egg production, it contributes a significant role in enhancing the rural poultry population by supplying chicks. Moreover, the loss of egg production due to broodiness can be minimized through management interventions. The importance of broodiness, broody behavior, regulation of broodiness, performances of broody hens, and their management have been discussed in this study.