New member from north Florida

[dornellaram]

Sorry for the experience.
Try a broody hen the next time. That's the only way I've hatched chicks and it's a wonderful experience that I look forward to each spring.
View attachment 3409668

THank you , I will definitely try that

 

[dornellaram]

THank you , I will definitely try that

How long do hens stay broody? Is there a way to know?

 

[DobieLover]

How long do hens stay broody? Is there a way to know?

Until they waste away, hatch an egg or you break them.
The best way to break a broody is to lock her up in an elevated wire dog crate for at least 3 days and 2 nights. Leave food and water in there with her and a piece of wood to perch on. About an hour before roost time on the third day let her out and see if she roosts with the rest of the flock or if she returns to the nest box. If she returns to an nest box put her back in the crate and try again the next night. Keep trying until she finally roosts.
The wire crate on the aluminum chair in this photo is my broody breaker.