I've had the same group of chickens for nearly three years

>>2310217
My mom figured this one out. She used to put a golf ball in the nests where they slept, before they started laying. Then they just got in the habit of sitting there with eggs.

Might be too late to try this, idk.

>>2310217
Some hens never go broody. It's a disposition thing; it can vary by breed and even individual. Are you not leaving the eggs in the nest and are you sure the eggs are fertile?
Incubators are definitely the most efficient way to hatch them, but also the most effective.

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51KB, 716x403px

>>2310431
I've tried giving them a chance by leaving the eggs, with no luck. I'm pretty sure they're fertile, my rooster's a real player. I will try an incubator if nothing happens this spring, when it really warms up

>>2310463
It may be an issue of location if you're letting a bunch of eggs collect with no results. Hens prefer a dark, quiet, safe place to nest. Curtains in front of the nesting box help some hens go broody. What breed are they?
Again, though, incubators are easier. If you have the money, just get one.

>>2310476
Two orpingtons, and three road island reds counting the rooster.

>>2310507
>Road island

I didn't know I was this retarded

>>2310507
Buff Orps are one of the broodiest breeds, so if they're not going broody, it may be something you're doing. Some hens go broody constantly no matter what you do, but most are picky about nesting conditions. RIRs are like most breeds; they're hard-pressed to go broody due to the fact that broody hens are no longer necessary and rarely used in hatcheries.