I don’t think there is anything wrong with allowing her to sit on the clutch that she’s started if you think there is a possibility of viability, but I would not allow her to remain broody for 4 more weeks, assuming that she would even continue to set that long. A 21 day brood is hard enough, a 40+ day brood is outrageous. That said, I would recommend ordering the day olds if you’re wanting to add to your flock either way and you’re willing to brood the chicks yourself, but not for the sole purpose of giving them to Honey. If it’s any help, I’ve included a photo of a medium/dark egg that I candled on day 17. Except for one identifiable vein that gave me hope it was difficult to tell if this egg was still alive and developing. On day 21, a healthy little chick hatched! I have found that numbering the eggs and then taking a picture of each while candling a few days apart can help to tell if something is growing/changing inside, since brown eggs can be challenging.
Best leave eggs under a broody in peace. The hen knows best. No need to candle.If they're dark eggs and you're not accustomed to candling, it can be very difficult to see into them. I've made a small hole with a sewing needle in the middle of the big end of super dark eggs to allow the light to penetrate and see what's going on inside. Then, if veins are detected, use a fingernail to scrape off a tiny piece of a nontoxic glue stick, and press over the hole. Give it a few seconds to dry and put it back. If that one is fertile, assume they all are.
I've never had any issues with hatching of eggs I did this to, but it's still a risk. It did save me from potentially bursting rotten eggs in the incubator.
Maybe explain the broody chickens need a decent place to sit and you have no room for so many chicks that grow fast. Stress amongst chickens can be a killer.
