[magicfairy]

One of our orpington hens disappered for the afternoon yesterday and hasn't been laying (to our knowledge) recently.

She is only  30 weeks old and has only started laying about 3 weeks ago.

Is she old enough to be broody?

[JaK]

From what I have read in my chicken books, yes.

[Aunt Sally]

Orpingtons go broody quite frequently 

[magicfairy]

Just answered my own question by finding a well hidden nest with 7 eggs in!