My hens are broody--will it last?

[cici_p]

I have a couple of showgirl hens that have been sitting on their (unfertilized) eggs for over a week now. I am thinking about purchasing some eggs to put under them, but if I do, the eggs won't be here until at least next week. Obviously no one can predict the future, but I am wondering if they will have given up on the eggs by then, or if I put new eggs under them while they are broody if they will continue sitting until the eggs hatch?
Thanks for the help!
-Christy

 

[Ridgerunner]

They are living things and no one can say with absolute certainty what they will do. I personally would order only enough eggs that one could cover and hatch. Split them between the two, so if one does quit the other could take over, especially if this is their first time. I'd also get eggs if I only had one broody. Odds are each hen will finish, but you cannot say that with absolute certainty.

I don't know what types of eggs you want or where you are located or if you already have a source of fertile eggs. You might look on this link to find a specific breed. I think this is a good resource.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=246596

Since shipped eggs do not usually hatch as well as eggs that you can pick up and gently transport, you might look for eggs from someone close to you that you could pick up. Either on the above link, look on the Where am I, Where are you section of this forum for your state or location if there is one, or advertise in the appropriate section on here.

Good luck! Should be exciting.