Broody hen...

[Minky]

My 3 yr old hen went broody for the first time this month... I waited about 6 days until I knew she was serious about sitting. Gave her 6 eggs.
She broke one on the first day (probably not her fault- I have a hen or two who don't eat enough calcium for sure) gave her a replacement.

Then about a week in, I found 2 eggs rolled out, but I didn't notice them until the next day or later, so tossed them. Then another on maybe day 12, and another went missing (??) She has been very diligent with the two eggs she has left, but we are on day 23...

In the coop with her are 18 3 week old chicks (that are now 6 weeks). She clucks at them and mothers them like her own. Its been very sweet.... Also in the coop used to be a hen who was limping, so I put her in there for a week or so to get a break from the flock /rooster. She is back with the flock now.

I really dont need more chicks (have 18 six week olds and 25 ten week olds) but I dont think those two eggs are hatching...and im not bothered by another six chicks.....

QUESTION : should I give her a fresh batch ? Will sitting in a next for 7 weeks straight be a horrible fate? will she last another 3 weeks? should I just take them away? I cannot find anyone close to me with day olds.

 

[hysop]

Are the fertile eggs from your backyard or are you buying them?

if they are your own eggs I would go ahead and try to give her more.

if you’re buying them, I wouldn’t waste my money.

Just put food and water near her so she can eat and drink while she sits on this batch

 

[Minky]

They'd be my fertilize eggs. Ive got lots.

She actually gets up 2-4 times a day, each time I feed the 18 "teenagers" she is up and off and showing them the ropes, then back on.

 

[centrarchid]

Could you show a picture of the nest without her sitting in it? Do other hens or a rooster have access to the nest?

 

[Minky]

Sure, Ill post a photo. the nest boxes are about 15 inches off the ground with a roost infant.
The chicks are too small they dont even try to get on the roost or go near the nest, but for the week that my other hen was in there, she would've had access to the nest when she got up to eat etc.. but I think Phoenix would've chased any hen away who tried to get on the nest etc. She is very protective of those 18 teenagers and her nest of eggs.

 

[centrarchid]

Sure, Ill post a photo. the nest boxes are about 15 inches off the ground with a roost infant.
The chicks are too small they dont even try to get on the roost or go near the nest, but for the week that my other hen was in there, she would've had access to the nest when she got up to eat etc.. but I think Phoenix would've chased any hen away who tried to get on the nest etc. She is very protective of those 18 teenagers and her nest of eggs.

Continuing investment in "teenagers" while starting up second clutch is the problem.