Farm Animals

Maternal Behaviors in Hens: Broodiness, Separation, and Welfare

Commercial egg production has selectively reduced broodiness in laying hens, but research reveals that maternal motivation remains and frustrated maternal behavior causes measurable welfare compromise.

Key Facts

Broody hens maintain nest temperatures of 37-38 degrees C for 21 days
Selective breeding has reduced broodiness in commercial laying breeds by 90%
Hens that do go broody and are separated from eggs show signs of distress
Broiler breeders retain stronger maternal instincts than commercial laying breeds
Hens communicate with chicks before hatching through calls and vibrations

Welfare Considerations

Research shows that hens retain motivations to incubate eggs and brood chicks even when these behaviors are selectively suppressed. When these motivations are blocked, hens show frustration-related behaviors. Additionally, in systems where chick hatching occurs, immediate separation of hen and chick deprives both of a natural bonding process.

What You Can Do

Support production systems that allow some expression of natural behaviors
Choose eggs from certified higher-welfare farms with enriched environments
Engage with research on hen emotional states and maternal behavior
Advocate for welfare assessment frameworks that include behavioral needs
Support slow-growth poultry breeds with more naturally expressive behavioral repertoires