Definition

1. Noun:
   • A domestic hen ready to brood: A female chicken that is physiologically prepared or inclined to sit on and incubate eggs.

Usage

• The term "brood hen" specifically refers to the state or condition of a hen. It describes a hen that is exhibiting or is ready to exhibit brooding behavior, which involves sitting on a clutch of eggs to keep them warm for hatching.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We need to separate the brood hen from the rest of the flock so she can sit on her eggs in peace.
  • The farmer identified the brood hen by her constant presence in the nesting box and her puffed-up feathers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in poultry farming and animal husbandry contexts to manage breeding. A "brood hen" is a natural incubator, as opposed to using an artificial incubating machine.

Variants and Related Words

• Brood (verb): To sit on eggs to incubate them.
  • The hen will brood for about 21 days until the chicks hatch.
• Broody (adjective): Describing a hen that is in the state of wanting to brood.
  • That broody hen hasn't left the nest all day.
• Broodiness (noun): The condition of being broody.
  • The broodiness of the hen is a natural instinct.

Synonyms

• Setting hen: A hen that is sitting on eggs.
• Broody hen: A hen inclined to brood (often used interchangeably with "brood hen").

Notes on Meaning

• The term "brood hen" is a compound noun. Its core meaning is inseparable from the concept of incubation. It does not refer to a hen that is simply laying eggs, but specifically to one that is committed to the process of hatching them.

Noun

1. a domestic hen ready to brood