How long will a broody sit if hatch goes bad?

[Rock Wyandotte]

I have two broody hens who won't give up even though one has been sitting for 6 weeks (2 bad hatches) and the other for 3 weeks (one bad hatch). We are in Vermont and had a very prematurely cold Oct. but the eggs were shipped and I think they were scrambled to begin with. No development at all. The one broody (2 bad batches) is young and this is her first try. The other had a successful hatch in June and raised all 7 chicks to maturity. Not sure what to do now. Would love to let them hatch out a few chicks each but the one who has already sat for 6 weeks I'm concerned about. She is fat and healthy and I don't want to compromise her health. Do I let her give it one more try? I've set aside her sisters eggs for her and can put them under her tomorrow. The tried and true girl is getting 6 new eggs in the mail tomorrow. Any advice out there?

 

[debilorrah]

You have two choices. Continue to try and let her hatch - remember to let shipped eggs rest pointy side down for 24 hour before giving them to her, or put her in jail with no nesting materials to break her.

 

[Rock Wyandotte]

Thanks, Deb, for the advice. Sounds good.

 

[dianneS]

I've had broodies just sit forever! They eventually get over it and give up.