Broody question—Can I give her incubated eggs?

[5 Points Wingfeather]

I have 10 eggs in the incubator due to hatch in 9 days. I also have 10 month old pullet who just went broody for the first time yesterday. If she keeps it up for a day or two can I give her the eggs that are incubating? Is that long enough for her to sit on eggs before they hatch?

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

I know nothing is certain when you’re dealing with animals. I just want to know if she sits for only 9-10 days before they hatch if that’s long enough for her to raise them

 

[Chicks in VA]

i would keep them in the incubator

 

[SilverBirds]

You can give them to her but it may scare her. Really young first time broodies aren't the best mothers at first. Some are great mothers but it's still a gamble. You'd have to keep mom and babies separate from the rest of the flock.

 

[NatJ]

I know nothing is certain when you’re dealing with animals. I just want to know if she sits for only 9-10 days before they hatch if that’s long enough for her to raise them

I think there is a good chance that it will work.
But as you say, nothing is certain.

If you try it, I would suggest you set up a brooder shortly before hatching time, so you have the option of taking the chicks and raising them if she attacks them.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

You can absolutely give them to her, but you will loose more than if you kept them in the incubator. I would give her some fresh fertile eggs and see how she does, she's quite young still. Touch her and move her the least amount you possibly can as they are easily upset. Good luck!

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

Thanks guys.

A few months ago we had our first broody. She was 7 months old and she is a perfect mama. Hers are almost 2 months old and doing great. So I’m probably spoiled some. I think I’ll set up a brooder, give them to her, and just cross my fingers it works. .

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

I would give her the eggs as soon as she seems seriously committed. With that many chicks she will need her own space to raise them, she would have trouble keeping them safe in a flock situation.

You can give her the eggs and wait to move her and the chicks after hatching is complete.