Why did the chicken cross the road? If that chicken is Chirp, then she was on her way to chicken jail. What did this feathered felon do—dig up some seedlings? Bully the basil? Stage a great escape from the raised bed penitentiary? Turns out she tried to hatch all the other hens’ eggs.
Now, that isn’t technically a crime in the chicken world—but it’s not great for Chirp. She’s broody and won’t stop. And while broody hens might seem sweet and maternal, when one does it on repeat, it can turn into a health issue. Here’s why sweet Chirp is getting a time-out by her owner, @Jacquesinthegarden. Plus, let’s talk about how to tell if your chicken(s) are broody, and what chicken jail actually looks like.
What Broody Behavior Looks Like
When a hen goes broody, she flips from egg production to full-time egg-sitting mode. You’ll find her parked in the nesting box, flattened out. They fluff up when approached, and make this low, menacing cluck-growl that says “back off.” They might even peck you if you try to move them. Buff Orpingtons like Chirp are known for this.
They’ve got motherly instincts so strong, they’ll try to hatch golf balls, other hens’ eggs, or literal nothing. Logic doesn’t matter. Once her hormones kick in, it’s all chick dreams and nothing more. If you take her out of the box and she bee-lines right back in like it’s her job, congratulations, you’ve got a broody hen. And if she’s sitting on eggs that aren’t even hers and staying broody for too long (looking at you, Chirp), it’s officially time for an intervention.
Why is Being Broody All the Time a Problem?
A broody hen is in it for the long haul—usually around 21 days, the natural hatching period. But if there are no chicks coming, and she keeps doing this on repeat, it can wear her down. Broody hens stop eating regularly, skip dust baths, and drink very little water.
Chronic broodiness can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and a higher risk of parasites. It might seem cute for a weekend, but after a few weeks, it gets dangerous.
How to Break the Broody Cycle
Step 1: Gentle Interventions
Start by removing her from the nesting box whenever you catch her in there. Encourage her to stretch her legs, snack a little, and hang out with the other chickens. Sometimes, that alone is enough to snap her out of it. But if she’s in deep, you may need to escalate to chicken jail.
Step 2: Set Up the Correctional Facility
If the broodiness continues, build or borrow a mesh-bottom cage and place it in a shaded area near the flock but away from nesting spots. She gets water, food, and a roosting bar—but no bedding, dark corners, or egg-like objects. This makes nesting impossible. The airflow beneath her helps cool her underside, which is believed to disrupt the hormonal loop. She should snap out of it in a few days.
Be Consistent, not Cruel
Chicken jail is not supposed to be a punishment. You may feel a little sad about the isolation, but as long as she also has social contact, you’re not being mean; you’re helping her stay hydrated, healthy, and parasite-free.