Broody hen- how many eggs?

[pewpewlaserz]

We have a broody hen and she's, well, tenacious. We are thinking of just getting her some fertilized eggs to hatch but didn't really want to add much to our flock. Is it possible to get her less than a full clutch? If we got around 5/6 fertilized eggs, would that break the broodiness and get us some new chicks? We are sort of looking for a minimum number of fertilized eggs I guess. Any thoughts?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

6 seems like a good number of eggs if they are medium or large size birds and eggs. 6 large eggs under a small bantam size hen is probably a bit too much.
Also keep in mind that every egg may not hatch.

 

[pewpewlaserz]

6 seems like a good number of eggs if they are medium or large size birds and eggs. 6 large eggs under a small bantam size hen is probably a bit too much.
Also keep in mind that every egg may not hatch.

Thank you! She is a new Hampshire red (we think). We are really trying to minimize the number of chickens we add this year so hoping not all 6 hatch actually. Thanks again!

 

[PDXJULES]

I've got the same situation, with a 1 year old Black Jersey Giant.
I wonder how long a broody would sit on golf balls before we try tucking a few female chicks under her? Would a week be enough?

 

[cherrynberry]

I've got the same situation, with a 1 year old Black Jersey Giant.
I wonder how long a broody would sit on golf balls before we try tucking a few female chicks under her? Would a week be enough?

I saw some one on here say about 10 days...

Thank you! She is a new Hampshire red (we think). We are really trying to minimize the number of chickens we add this year so hoping not all 6 hatch actually. Thanks again!

you could add in a few golf balls aka “fake eggs” chickens cannot tell. So maybe only get 4 eggs and 2 golf balls, if you really only want a FEW chicks...