Hen sitting but nothing hatching

[Jointhewoods]

Hi, I have a bantam that has been sitting on 6 hen eggs for 28 days, she sat on another clutch for 28 days before that, none of them have hatched. The eggs arent hers but were fertile. Im just wondering if Ive given her too many, or if there could be something going wrong for her? Another bantam sat next to her and hatched eggs from the same source of eggs. She's very determined. I dont lock them into the nest area, should I do that? She does come out every day day for a stretch and food and a wander. Thankyou

 

[DobieLover]

Hi, I have a bantam that has been sitting on 6 hen eggs for 28 days, she sat on another clutch for 28 days before that, none of them have hatched. The eggs arent hers but were fertile. Im just wondering if Ive given her too many, or if there could be something going wrong for her? Another bantam sat next to her and hatched eggs from the same source of eggs. She's very determined. I dont lock them into the nest area, should I do that? She does come out every day day for a stretch and food and a wander. Thankyou

It is normal for a broody to come off the nest daily to eat, poop, dust bathe and stretch. They can sometimes stay off the nest for up to an hour on warm days.
Did you candle at 7 days to look for development?
What kind of condition is she in after 8 weeks of setting?
Where are you getting the eggs from?
Where is the nest?
Do you think you can source a couple of newly hatched chicks to graft to her?
I'd be reluctant to allow her to set for a third round.

 

[Jointhewoods]

Thankyou for your response! No I didnt candle. The eggs are from a larger flock on our farm where there are a number of cockerels, and the other bantam hatched 3 out of 4 at the same time. I was wondering if 6 could be too many, a couple of times Ive gone in and there was a cold egg? Could she have a problem? She looks well and content sitting.

 

[SueT]

I wouldn't want to let a hen sit for TWO rounds. It can be harmful for the hen. If you don't have new babies to give to her, you can break her broodiness by putting her in a wire bottom cage for 3-5 days.