Brooding for forty days?

[Skip]

My hen lost her original batch of chicks (accidental breakings, etc.), but we put more underneath her. Is it all right that she brood for longer than the normal 21 days? I candled the eggs yesterday, and they won't hatch for at least two weeks. I felt Mama's keel today and she's lost a lot of weight. I started giving her food and water every day, and she's taking it. Do I have to worry about her starving? I'm so worried!

She's on her fourth week of brooding.

 

[emys]

It is very hard on them to brood for very long periods of time. Make sure she has very easy access to food and water and is undisturbed by any other birds etc. (sounds like you are doing all this). If she eats and drinks well enough she will probably get through it OK.

If she suddenly decides to stop sitting, you must accept that and just wait for another round at some later date. Good Luck with the hatch.

 

[jenlynn4]

they can do it with success, but be sure she had food and water near so she can get enough to eat and drink.

 

[Skip]

Thank you both so much!

Gee, I'm a nervous nelly.

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

If shes healthy thats good, But... I would be more worried about her quiting on you.. she might give up thinking the eggs are bad.

 

[ramirezframing]

I had this happen last year with silkies and they came out fine. One went for the whole spring and summer minus a two week break in the middle. I have one now that due to bad eggs, is on her 3rd batch of eggs straight. Just keep doing what you are doing.