Is my broody hen usable?

[Beth K.]

My BA hen Pekoe has been broody for a month and I've been taking the eggs away in hope that she'll give up. Well, she's still sitting.
What I want to know is: If I give her eggs now, will the broodiness "expire" before hatch day? Poor girl, she's so determined to hatch something.

 

[Judy]

It's anyone's guess.

 

[NovaAman]

I think your best bet would be to break her... How is her weight? Broodies can lose weight while sitting. IF her weight is still good, then maybe just 3 eggs if you really want to... AND have a small incubator ready to finish the job if she quits...

 

[Beth K.]

Okay, thank you. My neighbor has a small incubator I could use in case she gives up. I just might try it.

 

[pek]

I have the same problem with my bantam frizzle. I gave her some eggs to hatch and she seems like she is going to stay on them. We are about 13 days in. I think if you give your hen some eggs to hatch (or if you don't want more chicks, I think golf balls work) she will stay until they hatch. Hope this helps and good luck!