How long do I wait? (Broody?)

[Cyneswith]

I'm new at this. How long do I wait after a hen seems broody to get hatching eggs to put under her? Our eggs are not fertilized, and she's very protective of a wooden egg at the moment. Or my hand if I get it under her. (Not sure if I will get eggs, but I may have to make the choice soon.)

 

[Dawnclucks22]

I'm new at this. How long do I wait after a hen seems broody to get hatching eggs to put under her? Our eggs are not fertilized, and she's very protective of a wooden egg at the moment. Or my hand if I get it under her. (Not sure if I will get eggs, but I may have to make the choice soon.)

As soon as possible. Generally most hens will give up after 21 days because that’s usually when eggs hatch.

 

[arhartman]

The other option would be to let her sit on the wooden egg for 21 days then swap it out for a day old chick at night. Good luck!!

 

[Cyneswith]

...OK, let me re-phrase this, because she growled and ran off after 3 hours. How long does it take to tell the difference between a chicken being a brat about the favorite nesting box and a chicken being broody?