I had a broody hen, not having a rooster; I ignored her for a few weeks. She was always trying to sit on eggs. Finally I found a lovely lady who had a rooster; I asked if I could buy some eggs, no she said but I will give you some fertile eggs soooooooooooooo, I gave them to that crazy hen, she set on them for the 21 days. She got off each morning to eat and drink but stayed off what I thought was too long, 15 minutes or more!! Finally one day I though those eggs are really no good, she would be off too long. I went out and lifted off the hen to throw away the no good eggs and to my amazement the eggs were actually hatching. I put her back on quickly. She hatched 8 out of 10 eggs! They are Maran chicks. The hen was a wonderful mother, the chicks at times road on her back, she would pick up something and spit it out and call the chicks to come eat. I went to back Yard chickens and asked on line how long will she be taking care of the babies and the reply was form 3 weeks to 2 months. Well today 5 weeks old, the mother hen ran them off!! The hens posture changed!! No longer fat and puffy but now, standing up straight. I have the task now. :( of taking care of the teen chicks.:wee:barnie