Broody Hen Hatch Goslings?

[LoneOakChickens]

I'm getting several goose eggs that I bought today. I have a broody hen that I remove eggs from everyday. Anyone had a hen hatch out some goslings? I also have my incubator set up and ready. Which way should I go, hen or incubator? Thank you for any advice.

 

[azygous]

The only limitation on a hen brooding huge goose eggs is coverage. Broody hens almost always will be happy to sit on anything.

I would get the eggs and put her on them and see if they will all tuck well under her. If the fit is good, the rest is up to the whims of the broody hen.

One last caution. If this hen has been broody for more than a week or so, she may not be able to go the distance. Her hormones could peter out or she may lose so much weight, she might become starved.

 

[Rmnrgn]

Hi, I gave a farmer 5 eggs to put under a broody hen before I was ready to run an incubator. Of the eggs, two pipped and only one made it out. Thankfully its doing well with its adopted mother but an incubator gives you a bit more control over the process. Best of luck!

 

[Tbird84]

I know this is way past the posting time however my cochin hen hatched out ducklings and goslings without issue. She could 'cover' 5 goose eggs but only if the nest has a concave bottom. If it was flat then 3 was the better number. I hope the hatch was successful for you.