Do I have to break a broody if I’m not hatching ?

[chicChickChick]

We don’t have the bandwidth for chicks right now. One of the gals is acting broody. We’re getting plenty of eggs without her contribution. Is there any reason not to just keep taking the eggs and let her be?

 

[aart]

Is there any reason not to just keep taking the eggs and let her be?

She could lose condition and her health could deteriorate.
Could be disruptive to have a nest occupied.
Easier to break them if you do it right away.

 

[Saveria]

I have had broody hens sit for months without giving up. I would totally break her, it is better for everyone.

 

[Perris]

We don’t have the bandwidth for chicks right now. One of the gals is acting broody. We’re getting plenty of eggs without her contribution. Is there any reason not to just keep taking the eggs and let her be?

For the first time I let one be this summer, to avoid any disruptive behaviour from a 5 year old who has raised several clutches in previous years and who went broody shortly after I'd let another one start sitting, and she gave up after a month, with no loss of condition (and no disruption to the other broody or clutch).

Given your circumstances, you could try it, and intervene if you think it becomes necessary for any of the reasons given by posters above.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Really it's up to you. I don't really care about not getting eggs either and I have enough nest box space, but broody behavior disrupts my flock, so I'd rather break it and have it be done in 2-4 days, rather than have it drawn out over 21 days.