Impatient Mom

Over the many years I've had chickens I've only had a few broody hens, and only 2 that had fertile eggs. I think it's strange that both hens abandoned the nest before the chicks hatched. The first was the worst, because several of them were very close.
This little rainbow egger sat on her eggs for about 10 days.
I'm not upset, I didn't really want to deal with little roosters. I just think it's strange they get the urge, set on a clutch of eggs (I was busy, and lazy that week, and didn't gather eggs for a few days) then before the 21 days are up they decided they are done, and hop off the eggs and go about their business same as before.

Hi Jen,
In my experience broodiness has to do with...
...the season and the weather
...the race of chicken
...and  the individual personality of chicken.

I've had some chicken that we're 100% brilliant Chicken Moms.
I've also had some that are completely clueless.
And I've had one that is a Killer.
And ok-ish brooders.

When you know which ones are no good, don't give them fertile eggs to hatch, but try to get them distracted from their broodiness if at all possible.
Give it another go, with another broody hen - good luck!