Is there any way of persuading a hen to go broody?

[UnSerpentQuiCourt]

Just what the title says really. Usually I am trying to stop hens going broody, but this spring we have ambitious plans for chick rearing and are getting quite impatient. We have one aurucana who was a very good broody last year (her first season). None of the others went broody last year/

Don't you just have to wait? Sorry, not helpful.

Carefully placing some artificial eggs within a nesting box is one tried and tested formula, but you do need to ensure that the nesting area is safe and secure from the other chickens (as well as foxes and other predators!). It would not be uncommon for a more dominant hen within the group to exert her authority and force the broody hen off her eggs, leaving them to cool down and die.

Just looked this up on Google

Aaah, of course, google. (I actually think your first comment was right!)

Some breeds are more reliable broodies than others. If you're serious about doing a lot of hatching then you could try getting a couple of gold tops (silkie/sussex cross) or some bantam sussex or wyandottes. Otherwise its just a case of waiting for the day length and temperature to be right, and as has already been said, put some dummy eggs in and make it nice and cosy. Good luck with the broody/hatching.

We gave up and bought a super incubator for our eggs. it takes 7 at a time and does it all for you - turns the egg sets the temperature cooks the dinner (only kidding about the last comment) anyway all you need to do is top up the little water pot in the middle and wait 21 days. it even gives you a countdown of days on the top. this way we can breed our less broody breeds when we want. We have a purpose made box in the kitchen for the chicks and a light and hey presto in 4 weeks they will be outside with the others. very rewarding and more fun than waiting around for a mum to do her bit!