Crazy broody hen question.....

[mrc]

Alright folks, I set my favorite broody hen about 4 weeks ago. For the first time ever, none of the eggs have hatched. The funny part is, she is still setting and I've lost all hope of any of the eggs hatching. Now for the crazy question part... What do you think would happen if I changed out her obviously infertile eggs with some more? Do you think she'd ever stay setting long enough to hatch another batch?

 

[sourland]

She might set another 21 days, or she might quit, or she might become so debilitated that she dies. If she were mine, I would break her of brooding and hope for better luck next clutch.

 

[farmer boy]

someone said they had a broody for i think it was 2 months close around there but i don't think i would risk it she could do it and live and could leave half way like sourland said but i think i would break her ut its up to you

 

[A.T. Hagan]

She might set another 21 days, or she might quit, or she might become so debilitated that she dies.  If she were mine, I would break her of brooding and hope for better luck next clutch.

I agree with Sourland.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posters.

 

[mrc]

Thanks folks! I went ahead and took her out of her pen and put her back in with the rest of my hens. Last year she went broody 4 or 5 times so I shouldn't have to wait too long to try again.