Advice on naturally hatching eggs??

[chickorama]

We are getting fertilized eggs to hatch this year. We have always ordered chicks, and this time we want to put the eggs under the 2/3 broody hens we have. Only problem is, some of our chickens break the eggs. Will eggs survive outside?????

Also, if/when they hatch, will the other chickens peck them, or will the broody hens protect them?

 

[katrinag]

If you have broodies I would section them off from the rest of the flock. Egg eater need to be culled IMO. They will teach the other chickens and then it is a downward spiral from there.