Buying fertilized eggs

[5lovelyhens]

So we don't have any roosters, but my buff Orpington seems to want babies. (She's always broody) So I was just reading a post on here, and I found out you can buy fertilized eggs. If I got one and she hatched it, would she take care of the baby and keep it warm, or would we have to do that?

 

[Pyxis]

She should take care of the baby. Best to get more than one egg though, there's no guarantee that the one egg will hatch.

 

[All Ball]

I've just done this and it was really fun - though you have to figure out what to do with the boys.

It's best to get fertile eggs from a local breeder or chicken-keeper, if you can - check your local craigslist. People will ship eggs, but shipped eggs often get mistreated by the post office, or get all jiggled up, and you don't get a good hatch rate.

I drove a couple hours to get a special breed of fertile eggs, 3 hours back including stopping for lunch, gas, etc. I got a dozen eggs, thinking conservatively, and 10 hatched! 2 were not very healthy chicks, but 8 were.

Broody-raised chicks are known to be healthier and more disease-resistant. And it's totally wonderful to see their sibling bonding and mommy bonding.

You should check one of the two long broody threads to get an idea of some issues:
1) Will your broody be a good broody? She might lose interest early on....some attack the chicks! Many are wonderful mommies.
2) Whether to separate the broody and eggs/chicks from the flock, and how to integrate back.

 

[5lovelyhens]

Thank you! Mine is a buff Orpington and I've heard a lot of people say they just want to be mommys. I'll look into that post to check though. Thanks!!

 

[chiques chicks]

Many times if you find your local state thread in the where am I where are you section you will be able to find someone local with fertile eggs.

I incubate, but also let some broodies hatch. Watching momma teach the babies is awesome!