can a broody hen start over day 12

[thatcrazychick]

Hi. I have a broody hen sitting on two fertile eggs. Candled them day 12 and they have not developed. Can I start her over with new eggs? I don't want to put her under too much stress...otherwise how do I break her brood cycle? Any info greatly appreciated.

 

[SIMZ]

You can do either - give her more eggs or break her broodiness. I wouldn't let her go longer than the next batch of eggs, though, before giving her a break.

If you'd like to break her the easiest way is often to move her to a new place or put her in a wire-bottomed cage that allows air to circulate under her. I like to use a wire cage with just a perch for them to sit on. It keeps them from being able to nest down and usually takes no more than 3 days to snap them out of it.

 

[bobbi-j]

Another option would be to leave those two eggs under her, or get her some fake eggs to sit on for another week or so, and replace them with baby chicks if you have a source for them.