How long should I let her sit?

[16 paws]

ok, here is the story...
We have no roosters and my Jersey Giant went broody. I tried to break her but she wasnt having any of that, she was determined. So off we go to the local feed store last Mothers day which is a little over 3 weeks ago Sunday. Today would be day 23. We bought 6 fertile eggs. About a week after she had been sitting on them faithfully we came out on the lawn in front of the coop and found 2 broken fertile eggs. The only thing that could of happened is that she somehow got them there. I have 5 other hens but they leave her alone because she is the boss. Then one egg disappeared all together. Nothing got in the coop. All the other girls eggs are in there everyday and no disturbances. So somehow we get down to only 2 eggs out of 6. She is still determined to hatch these eggs! I tried to candle them but I could not see thru one at all, no light would shine thru and the other I just dnt see anything but something that looks like an air poctet on the side.I am too afraid now to try and candle them again in case something is close to hatching. She has worked so hard I dont want to give up. These are large Cochin eggs by the way and I heard they can take a little longer. How many days should we go past the 21? Should I go get her some baby chicks and how old can they be? Also how many for a Jersey Giant. She is about 10 months old. This is our first time doing this and first time having chickens. We have had her since she was a few days old.She is a really good Mom to be. Anyone have good advice?
Thanks for your help

 

[sumi]

Give her until day 25, at least. After that chances are they are not going to hatch. If they don't hatch get some day-old chicks if you can and slip them under her at night while she's sleeping and remove the eggs at the same time. Keep an eye on her in the morning to see if she's accepting the chicks. It's up to you how many chicks you get, but I won't get more than 10. Get at least 3 though, so they can keep each other company as they grow up.

 

[16 paws]

Give her until day 25, at least. After that chances are they are not going to hatch. If they don't hatch get some day-old chicks if you can and slip them under her at night while she's sleeping and remove the eggs at the same time. Keep an eye on her in the morning to see if she's accepting the chicks. It's up to you how many chicks you get, but I won't get more than 10. Get at least 3 though, so they can keep each other company as they grow up.

Where do I get day old chicks? The feed store sells them a few days old, maybe 4 or five days old. Should I also relocate her because the nest box is 2 and a half feet off the ground and is kind of small. She is a Jersey Giant so she takes up most of the space. Or should I slip them under her first and then move her a couple of days later?
Thank again

 

[sumi]

Oh my goodness, that I cannot tell you. Sorry! I'm not in the US, all I know is feedstores and hatcheries and some members here sell chicks. Hopefully someone will come along that can help you there.

Whichever way could work, but she may get ticked off if you move her without chicks and refuse to sit where you put her.

 

[16 paws]

Oh my goodness, that I cannot tell you. Sorry! I'm not in the US, all I know is feedstores and hatcheries and some members here sell chicks. Hopefully someone will come along that can help you there.

Whichever way could work, but she may get ticked off if you move her without chicks and refuse to sit where you put her.

Here is a picture of the coop, she is on the far left nestbox.

 

[sumi]

I see what you mean, she is a big girl. You should be able to fit a few chicks under her where is she now. Then move her once she's settled with them and ready to get up.

 

[16 paws]

I see what you mean, she is a big girl. You should be able to fit a few chicks under her where is she now. Then move her once she's settled with them and ready to get up.

Thanks, that is what I was thinking also. I dont think the other hens will bother her beacuse she is THE BOSS!!!! Lets them have it once in a while but not in a mean way, just to let them know whos in charge.
I have a friend I just met that has chickens and she just emailed me she has some babies hatching right now. I wonder how long to wait to see if any of the two eggs she has will hatch.If I get chicks, can they be a few days old and what is the cutoff age of the chicks to slip beneath her?

 

[sumi]

Today is day 23. I think you should see if you can get some of your friend's chicks by tomorrow or the day after. Ideally chicks should go under broodies within a day or 2 after they hatched. Your broody is down to 2 eggs, so even if they do end up hatching you can add some chicks to her brood.