How long are hens Broody for?

[GreenAcresFarm]

I have a BO who has been sitting in the nesting box for going on 3days, she puffs her feathers and makes noises and tries to peck at me. I was thinking of putting fertile eggs under her, but don't want the broodiness to be done before my eggs hatch. They have another 12 days to go.

 

[canada-goose]

My hens have always gone broody for about 40 days. Silly girls.

 

[Doodle_Doo]

they stay broody for a good while much longer than the 3 week incubation time..

 

[FrizzlesRule]

Depends on the hen. My MUGGSY has already gone broody three times this year and since she is setting on 'NOTHING' it usually last about two or three weeks and then she gets bored and gives up. I should give her an egg, might even get a Sizzle, but have no room for any more chicks right now.

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
You can always put some ice under her or move her to another location for the night. Even an indoor pen. I just had a first timer who when I tried to move her to another nest in another area, she said no and now is not broody. Broodies don't lay when they are tending to chicks.
Also I've had broodies who when they were done , they were done, leaving any unhatched eggs and moving on. They did wait a few days but after they decided to take care of the hatched chicks that was it. They are all different.

All the best
Rancher

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
Give her the eggs. I stuck a bunch of duck eggs under my BA and it's so funny to watch her now with 9 little ducks snuggled up to her. If she's been sitting tight for three days I doubt she'll suddenly decide not to brood anymore. BO's might not be quite as persistant as silkys, but they're close.