Broody Hens

[CESpeed]

I understand Langshans are very broody. If I wanted to allow a hen to hatch eggs, how many days can one add eggs to the clutch without compromising chicks? I'm guessing 3 days, am I right? Thank you.

 

[CESpeed]

Also, do broody prefer closed in or open nests to hatch in?

 

[CESpeed]

No response?

 

[dheltzel]

Once a broody starts incubating, adding eggs the next day is a waste of eggs, if any of the old eggs hatch (even 1), the broody will likely take off with the first chicks and leave the almost hatched ones to die. If by chance, none of the eggs in the first set hatch, then she will stay until something hatches or she gives up. How long until she gives up is a personal matter for the hen, some give up after a few days and never hatch anything (probably conflicted about the whole motherhood thing), others will sit tight for months. I once had a hen (cross with a silkie) that would set for 3 months or more, Every day I'd check for chicks and remove any and put in new eggs. Very few hens will tolerate that - she was special.