So, it goes like this:

[two early]

I have a orp that just won't stop going broody, in and out, in and out. I have broken the cycle, so I think, and a few weeks later she is back at it. So, I decided to let her have a hatch. The problem is that I have a bantam roo and am not sure he is getting the job done with the larger hens, although it's not for lack of trying. I do have a small polish girl that seems like it is a possibility that her eggs may be fertile, but she is not a prolific layer and it would take quite a lot of time to amass enough eggs to make going thru a natural hatch worth it. I ended up ordering some eggs and they arrive on Friday. In the meantime, for the past 10 days she has been sitting on 6 eggs that I gave her to keep her interested. I have scooted her out twice a day to move around and dust bathe, drink and eat (there is food and water in her little brooding area). So, by the time the purchased eggs arrive she will have been broody for 2 weeks and then, of course has another 3 to go with the replacement eggs. My questions are:
Is this too long of a time to expect her to sit?
Can I just replace the purchased eggs with the ones she has been sitting on when I scoot her out for her break? Does it have to be at night?
I would like to hear from anyone who has gone thru a natural hatch and how it played out.
Thanks so much for any responses

 

[sumi]

You can replace her eggs with the fertile ones, but it'll he hard on her, sitting for so long. I once had to replace a broody's eggs after 2 weeks and she sat until they hatched. Total 5 weeks. She was o.k. and had a lovely time with her chicks, but I try not to do that if I can help it though.