Help on broody hen

[carluci2]

I have a broody hen that is sitting on way too many eggs, 17, for over 23 days. She is still sitting on them and I dont know if I should wait a few more days, if any of them will hatch, or are there too many under her and too long of a time period?? Do you think I should dispose of those eggs and put 6 new eggs under her? Im not sure if she will continue to lay on the new eggs? Also what is the best way to mark the eggs? I have used food coloring and sharpie and both have worn off.
Thank you in advance!!

 

[sourland]

I would candle the eggs to see if any are viable and toss the rest. I would not give her new eggs. Another 21 days might result in her death.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
That's a lot of eggs to not have hatched. Where did you get them and how?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Sound advice from @sourland

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Community!
We are delighted to have you here with us!

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and Welcome to BYC!

 

[carluci2]

I have a broody hen that is sitting on way too many eggs, 17, for over 23 days. She is still sitting on them and I dont know if I should wait a few more days, if any of them will hatch, or are there too many under her and too long of a time period?? Do you think I should dispose of those eggs and put 6 new eggs under her? Im not sure if she will continue to lay on the new eggs? Also what is the best way to mark the eggs? I have used food coloring and sharpie and both have worn off.
Thank you in advance!!

Thank you for the advice. I will try candling them.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens, I agree with Sourland's advice.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[Mvan42]

Yep I would candle, Normally I only give a hen no more eggs than what she can cover.
Day 23, Is this from when she first started sitting? How many eggs did she start that day with? Where did they come from? Were there eggs added after the first day? I agree I wouldn't give her fresh eggs thats another 3 week with little food and water. If they dont hatch you can give her day old chicks.