How long can a hen stay broody?

[onelitwonder]

We're new to hatching out chicks, and long story short, we're closing in on a second batch of eggs under a broody hen that have resulted in no chicks. We'd like to try a third time, but this means she will have been broody/attempting to hatch out eggs for over two months now. Is there any ill effects on her physical or mental health that should keep us from trying a third time? She's currently segregated from the rest of the flock in her own coop/nesting box.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I wouldn't try a third time. She needs interaction with other birds since she isn't with chicks and they lose a considerable amount of weight and or muscle mass brooding

 

[onelitwonder]

I wouldn't try a third time. She needs interaction with other birds since she isn't with chicks and they lose a considerable amount of weight and or muscle mass brooding

We successfully hatched 2 chicks in the incubator two days ago. They're now in the brooder. If none of her eggs hatch (we're on day 21-22, we were going to give them until day 25), is there a chance she'll accept the chicks?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

There might. They might bee too old, but if they accept her and she accepts them, it should work

 

[AquaDuck]

The hen will absolutely be physically affected, and it's not good for her. Brooding just for 3 weeks takes a toll on her system in terms of muscle deterioration and weight loss. Having her sit 3 rounds is a bad idea.

I'd candle her eggs for viability, and then give her the chicks right away if I were you. The sooner the better.