Hen Won't Brood Until Hatching

[sycfig]

We have 45 chickens who are laying well. This spring two hens have gotten broody in two different boxes. I'm good with that because I would like more chicks. The problem is, they will lay on the eggs for about 2 weeks, and then they leave the pile of half developed eggs and brood over a fresh batch. I either want them to brood, or to get off the eggs! Any suggestions to keep them brooding until hatching? My theory is that they are getting up to get water and mistakenly sitting in the wrong nest box when they return.

 

[donrae]

Confine them to a smaller area with just their nest, food and water and enough space to stretch and dust bathe. No other nesting areas.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I couldn't have answered better than danrae did.