Question about broody hen

[cbader]

I am new to raising chickens and this is the first time I have had a broody hen. Not sure why she picked this time of year to sit but she has.

I wasn't sure if she was broody or not but now I know as she has not left the nesting box for three days.

My question - she has been sitting for three days now on two eggs that are not fertile. If I order some fertile eggs and put them under her will she sit long enough for them to hatch?

Any response is greatly appreciated.

Calvin
Salem, Indiana

 

[Mrs MIA]

Yes, most likely she will.

But she can just as easily be broken out of her broody spell by placing her in a pen or cage without a nest for a few days.

 

[nelli21]

I had a broody hen who was broody for about 3 weeks- I kept collecting eggs. Then I decided to get some fertile eggs and got 5. She broke 2 right away, and then 2 more about 2-3 days before they were due to hatch. The last one survived and hatched, and is now 8 1/2 weeks old. She is just now starting to want to rejoin the flock.

I am having a little adjustment issues with it- the mom is attacking one of the other hens (?) and I saw one of the flock trying to mount the mom. Seems like they are trying to reestablish the pecking order. And the poor baby was having a rough time of it. We'll see how it goes.

I guess what I am trying to say is- it's fun to hatch out a chick, but there are other issues that pop up.

Are you thinking of getting some fertile eggs?
Nelli

 

[cbader]

Yes, we are planning on finding some fertile eggs and see what happens. I think it will be a good learning experience for us. Will keep everyone updated.