failed clutch, should put more eggs under broody hen?

[skawyo]

We have a broody hen that has been setting patiently but all her eggs failed. This is the first time we have tried to hatch out chicks. She is still sitting on one egg but it is past the hatch date so we do not think it will hatch. She is still waiting for these babies so should we put more eggs under her? That seems like such a long time for her to be sitting but she still just wants to sit. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[sumi]

It would be better if you don't give her more eggs now and let her sit even longer. Broodiness is hard on hens and they lose around 25% of their body weight during this period. And that's a normal 3 weeks incubation and successful hatch. See if you can find some day old or 2 day old chicks somewhere locally and get a few for her to raise. You can slip them under her at night when she's sleeping and remove her egg(s) at the same time. Then at least she gets to raise some babies and didn't sit in vain.

 

[skawyo]

Great idea! That is why I asked. It seemed too long to let her sit again but she was going to be so sad and still broody. I think we will get some chicks and swap out. Thanks so much for the advice.