How long is safe for a Broody to sit?

[Mountain Bear]

Last month I had two broody Hens (Red Phoenix cross). I set 4 RIR eggs under each. It is now day 24. Hen #1 hatched one chick that died, hen#2 hatched one chick today. I candled the other eggs and threw out all but one questionable egg from Hen#1.
She is still broody and it is unlikely that her single egg will hatch. Would it be safe to try her with another set or would 45 days be too long? I would like to have a few more chicks but don't have an incubator.

 

[bobbi-j]

I would not have her set her. If it were my chicken, I'd buy a couple of chicks from wherever they sell them near you and give them to her.

 

[greeneyedleo]

Hi Bear

I had a similar dilemma a couple of weeks ago, with a pekin bantam who had been sitting on eggs for 26 days and would not give up on them. I did a lot of research and had conflicting advice; some people suggesting giving her chicks and others strongly suggesting she would kill them if I did so. In the end I got 4 day old bantam chicks, waited until it was dark and sneaked the eggs out from under her, replacing them with the chicks. She immediately snuggled them under her and has taken to them as if they were her own. They are now 21/2 weeks old and thriving and the little family is a delight to watch! This is my first ever broody and I appreciate I may just have been lucky, but thought I would share my experience.

Best wishes and good luck!

Melanie

 

[16 paws]

I also would give her chicks, I have done this 4 times with 2 hens and it worked like a charm everytime. I think 45 days is too long to let her sit.
Marie