Do hens still continue their laying cycle while they are sitting on fertilized eggs?

Hens stop laying eggs when they start sitting on fertilized eggs. This behaviour is known as "broodiness" and it is triggered by hormonal changes in the hen's body. During broodiness, the hen's body temperature increases and she becomes more aggressive and protective of her eggs. She will also spend most of her time sitting on the eggs, leaving the nest only briefly to eat and drink.

The hen will continue to sit on the eggs until they hatch, which usually takes about 21 days. Once the chicks have hatched, the hen will continue to care for them for several weeks, providing them with food and protection.