Help! Found broody young hen in the bushes with 17 eggs!

[newmommahen]

I have a young buff orpington who I thought should have been laying by now but hadnt seen anything. I went lookin for her today and found her in the rosemary bush looking a little cranky. She sat there for over an hour and when she left it, I investigated the bush, I found 17 eggs. They are likely fertilized, because I have a rooster. What do you suggest I do with the eggs: any chance they are viable? They have been out in 40 degree weather overnight but the days have been warm 70 - 80. Should I just throw them away? And any suggestions on how to get Ethel to lay in the hen house like the other girls? Do I need to lock her up in there for a few hours per day?

Thanks for any advice
New at this -

 

[LarryPQ]

If she has been sitting on the eggs all the time, it is likely they are still viable.

If she hasn't, you've just discovered her secret stash. It explains why you haven't seen her laying---some of the other girls are probably laying in there too.

 

[kari_dawn]

If I were you, I would put a dog crate over her (or something else to keep her safe), and see if they hatch....but if they do, she will be raising chicks instead of laying eggs...

 

[effie]

She may not be broody at all-just laying her eggs in the bush. They will sit a long while when laying-an hour isn't abnormal for my girls. I would say she just is laying her eggs in the bush. I would lock her up in the coop for awhile. She will figure it out in short order.