Setting- How long is too long?

[trueblueshowgirl]

I have a couple of Silkie hens who are extremely broody and I swear they'd set and hatch eggs year round. This summer I let one hen hatch two clutches in a row- but I wonder how healthy this is, staying hunkered down in a nest box for such an extended time.

Any opinions?

 

[Lollipop]

I firmly believe that nature taes care of their needs. When enough is enough, they stop setting. I once had a Brazilian hen that hatched 3 clutches. When I didn`t want her to prolong it anymore, I put her in a large pen with a cock. Not long after, I found her trying to hatch a rock. none of my hens, in 51 years, have ever had any health issues from being broody, no matter how long the term. Just a natural thing for some of them. Don`t be concerned.......Pop

 

[trueblueshowgirl]

Thanks, Pop. That's good news. I will pay heed to your 51 years of experience (wow!) and not worry about it any longer.

P.S. About your avatar- how the heck did you get a picture of me before my morning coffee???

 

[dixiechick]

I swear, my ShowGirl is doing the same thing. Been in there all summer, it seems....geez, come on already!