How long should I let my broody hatch eggs?

[HuskerHens18]

My Sizzle and Belgian Quail have been dual hatching eggs (isnt that so cute?) for about 6 weeks. I throw a few eggs under every couple days and so the last two weeks or so I've been collecting chicks from underneath them.

How long is too long to continue this with the same two broodies?
I don't want to hurt their overall health so I've been making them get out to eat and drink when I'm out there. This has been going on about 6 weeks. I want what's best for my chickens.

If you want, share your own cute/cool broody stories!

 

[Tiana's chickens]

Aww so sweet!

 

[HuskerHens18]

Aww so sweet!

I was so surprised they were happy brooding together! It's so sweet to watch them

 

[Blooie]

Yep, they are cute. And in the end, it’s totally your decision to make, unless they give up on their own. For me, I’d start breaking them. Too long on the nest isn’t good for them. They can begin to lose condition. Feathers can become brittle and break off, and that can cause sores. Mites can be a real issue, even if you don’t specifically see them.

It’s great that yours will get up and eat and drink when you make them, and that they let you keep removing hatched chicks. But at the very least, I don’t think I’d keep replacing chicks with more eggs. Your girls still look to be sound and healthy from what I can see, and they sure are determined little stinkers!

As I said, it’s totally up to you. But in my mind a break might be in order. (For goodness sake, take a gazillion photos! That’s just too cute not to!)

 

[KDMdesigns]

Yep, they are cute. And in the end, it’s totally your decision to make, unless they give up on their own. For me, I’d start breaking them. Too long on the nest isn’t good for them. They can begin to lose condition. Feathers can become brittle and break off, and that can cause sores. Mites can be a real issue, even if you don’t specifically see them.

It’s great that yours will get up and eat and drink when you make them, and that they let you keep removing hatched chicks. But at the very least, I don’t think I’d keep replacing chicks with more eggs. Your girls still look to be sound and healthy from what I can see, and they sure are determined little stinkers!

As I said, it’s totally up to you. But in my mind a break might be in order. (For goodness sake, take a gazillion photos! That’s just too cute not to!)

I agree with @Blooie, let them get the last hatched chicks and raise them! They are adorable right now, imagine with little ones following them..Cute!! Super cute..

 

[HuskerHens18]

@Blooie @KDMdesigns

Thank you both for your input! There's only 2 eggs left, I will not put any more under them These girls have been so loyal and hardworking, they deserve a huge vacation. Hatch rate will be 100% if both eggs under them hatch.
I will be sure to get more photos!! I've never seen any of my hens share a nesting box the ENTIRE incubation!

 

[Blooie]

I've seen them do it the entire incubation...I've just never seen them continue to sit after hatching for an additional 3 weeks!

 

[HuskerHens18]

I've seen them do it the entire incubation...I've just never seen them continue to sit after hatching for an additional 3 weeks!

I hope they pass that trait on to their chicks, I could run a hatchery using those hens lol!
I broke one broody a month ago, so I'm all prepared to do it again I should get some treats or something to reward these gals with

 

[Blooie]

As long as it isn't scrambled eggs....they'd never forgive you!