How long will a brooding hen set?

[A-Texas-Man]

Okay, I have a Barred Cochin Bantam (BCB) that went broody about 24 days ago. I put 9 of her eggs under her to hatch. It has been 23 days so I just candled the eggs. All of them were clear. I don't think they were even fertile. I have never seen my BCB rooster ever mate with my three BCB hens, so that is probably the problem. But, the little hen has done a great job of setting on the eggs. I was wondering if it would be alright to put some of my game hen eggs under her? I mean how long will she set before she gives up? Will she set for another 21 days? She is in a pen with unlimited food an water within two feet of her nest. What do you think? Should I put some more eggs under her?

 

[Judy]

She might set that long. Hens usually lose some weight and muscle tone from setting, so I would evaluate her for that as best I could. I've had a few broodies set for months, but most of mine give up after maybe 4 weeks if there are no chicks.

Another option is to purchase a few day old chicks and slip them under her at night, just after dark.

 

[A-Texas-Man]

I feel stupid. It was late and I was not thinking when I ask the question. This morning I woke and remembered that I have eight eggs in an incubator that will hatch in a week. So I thought to myself, "Why don't you just put those eggs under her? Duh!" I need more sleep. Thanks anyway.

 

[Lollipop]

I feel stupid. It was late and I was not thinking when I ask the question. This morning I woke and remembered that I have eight eggs in an incubator that will hatch in a week. So I thought to myself, "Why don't you just put those eggs under her? Duh!" I need more sleep. Thanks anyway.

LOL, good for you. To explore your question a little farther, being a bantam, and bantams are generally great broodies, chances are that she would set for another 21 days or longer. It's an individual thing, however, so it's a crap shoot on an unproven hen. Like flockwatcher said, they do tend to lose muscle and weight over a broody period, but in my experience, they gain it all back rapidly when they start mothering their chicks. I once had a little Spanish Game hen set all summer on bare straw. Three whole months without any ill effects. Good luck to you and your little hen........Pop

 

[CorinneP]

I Would make sure to baby her a bit .. I give mine extra treats for more nutrition.. It can really take a toll on them .. A Good Momma will stay put no matter what and can come out of it pretty ragged : )