First attempt for hatchlings

[slippednfell]

I am not sure if I am posting this in the correct area as I see brooder topics in the raising chicks area too.

I am attempting to let one of my hens hatch her own eggs but I have several questions. I am hoping some of you fine folks with experience can answer them.

1) How long can a fertilized egg sit (without a hen on it) and still be viable (for brooder to take over, if necessary)?
2) How many days of a hen sitting on fertile eggs before they start to hatch?
3) In warm temps, will a broody hen stay off the eggs for periods of time to eat, drink and forage?
4) Why do people "break" their broody hens if they aren't wanted to hatch out chicks?
5) Will the rooster go after the chicks once they hatch?

I know some of these are probably very basic questions so forgive me for asking. I'm just trying to learn as I go.

I have a nice mix of chickens that are two years old. I have two roosters that get along and have grown up together. I have moved one hen and one rooster to a small coop. If she isn't a good sitter, I will remove the rooster and put a different hen in the coop to sit on the eggs.

 

[sourland]

1) For as much as a couple of weeks - as long as it takes her to build a clutch.
2) 21 days
3) Most hens leave the nest daily to eat, drink, defecate and even dust bathe.
4) They 'break' them so that they will start laying again.
5) Most roosters are good with chicks - the other hens not always.

Good luck for a successful hatch.

 

[slippednfell]

Good luck for a successful hatch.

Thank you very much for the answers and the well wishes! This will be an awesome experience that I am very much looking forward to.