Eggs infertile. Can I add more?

[Basilsfriend]

I have a broody hen sitting on eggs for 10 days. Rooster is elderly. Candling tonight suggests none are fertile. If I buy in hatching eggs will my little hen sit for further 21 days? Feel v sorry for her. Thanks for advice.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. She may or may not set the extra period of time. Why not buy some chicks and foster them to her somewhere around the 21 day period ?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would be inclined to buy day old chicks and see if she will adopt them.
I have a little bantam that when broody wants ALL chicks regardless of age.
The chicks need to be as young as possible so THEY will bond to her. If they are more than 4 or 5 days old when given to her they tend not to listen to mom.

It takes a lot out of a hen to be sitting on eggs and she might give up on eggs before they hatch since she has already been sitting so long.

 

[Basilsfriend]

Welcome to BYC. She may or may not set the extra period of time. Why not buy some chicks and foster them to her somewhere around the 21 day period ?

Thankyou. That's an idea.