How do I know if my hens will follow through?

[anniemary]

I have three or four hens who have been consistently sitting all day on 4 or 5 eggs. However, they will get up and forage for the afternoon and return around evening.

How long can a chick be away from the nest before I can determine she's just not that into it and can collect the eggs? I'd like to see them hatch their own chicks.

Also, we don't have the facilities to separate them. Any ideas? Someone suggested I put a cardboard box around them, but wouldn't other chicks fly into the space?

Thanks!!

Annie

 

[Soaring Chicks]

Normally they will get off for only 5-15 mins a day. They peck you puff up and hiss at you when on the nest. If you take her off she will get right back on and give you a looks can kill stare. I have some that will stay on the nest afer they lay for a while then jump off and thats the end of it. If you hen is broody you will know it. When she gets off the nest she will take a great big poo that will have you running out of your coop. They only poo like 2 imes a day while broody. I hope this helps you.

 

[gmendoza]

Heres a pic of one of my broody hens at work:

As you can clearly see,she hates getting photographed,and if you put your hand there,prepared to pull back a nub!! You also can see her runny poo on the left side of the pic.She gets off to feed and to relieve herself,then back on and heat em up.

 

[tcmstalcup]

I love this broody hen pic. Excellent!!!!!!!!!