Kohinaprosessin

Kohinaprosessin is a term used in Finnish to describe the process of a hen sitting on her eggs to incubate them. This behavior is instinctual and crucial for successful reproduction in many bird species, including domestic chickens. When a hen enters the broody state, her behavior changes significantly. She will stop laying eggs and will spend most of her time on the nest, becoming protective of her eggs and often reluctant to leave them.

The duration of the kohinaprosessi varies depending on the species and individual bird, but for chickens, it typically lasts around 21 days, which is the incubation period for chicken eggs. During this time, the hen's body temperature rises slightly, and she meticulously turns the eggs to ensure even warmth and prevent the developing embryo from sticking to the shell. Her diet may also change, as she might eat less frequently, relying on stored body reserves.

Farmers and poultry keepers often manage kohinaprosessi differently depending on their goals. If they wish to hatch chicks, they will allow the hen to continue her brooding. However, if the hen is a valuable egg layer, the broody state can be disruptive. In such cases, owners may attempt to break the hen's broodiness by separating her from the nest, sometimes by placing her in a cage with an open bottom or by removing her eggs. This interruption of the kohinaprosessi can encourage the hen to return to laying.