How soon can a hen go broody again.

[Chickie Pia]

I have a hen, she is a RIR. Her 12 chicks are 10 weeks old now and are independent. She started laying 11 days ago and I have left all 11 eggs in her nest. What are the chances she will go broody? I'd really love some more chicks!

PS: I only have 1 mature rooster (other than the seabrights), he is the daddy of the 12. My orpingtons and Brahmas are not laying yet.

My question is should I just keep taking the oldest egg away every day (I numbered them) or am I wasting my time hoping she will sit!

(She was a first time mom)

 

[Judy]

I don't know that leaving the eggs will encourage her to go broody any sooner. At any rate, they lose weight and muscle mass while broody, adn need time to recover. I would think she will not go broody until she is fully recovered from the last round. In my limited experience, they have laid for a month or two, at least, before going broody again.

 

[Chickie Pia]

Ok. Gonna eat em then. ;-)
(Eggs that is).