So far it seems that between 8 and 10 weeks my hens start to let the chicks go. Fortunately the original source of my frustration (the companion broodies- those who quit laying because someone else is broody) all went back to normal a week or so after the first round hatched. I am getting a half...
We were overwhelmed with eggs when all 11 girls were laying. Now suddenly we have plenty of people to buy them- we have wait lists! But now more than half the flock is/was/might be broody. Three of them are done hatching, one will be done soon. As much as I love the little peeps, they don't pay...