Can you hatch chicken eggs without an incubator?

[broodymamma]

When I was a kid my mom hatched duck eggs in a plastic shoebox with a goose neck lamp over them, spritzed them a couple times a day and turned them a couple times a day. Can I do the same with my silkie eggs or do I need an incubator? I have a broody Buff Orphington who is sitting on 4 eggs and I don't think I can fit anymore under her. My other hens don't want to nest. What can I do?

Thanks!

 

[Dingo]

uhm, yes but you will likely have some issues with temps fluxuating drastically.
I once tried to hatch a goose like this, ended up frying the poor chick at a sustained temp of 104 for and hour 4 days before it was due to hatch. I'd rather spend $30 on a cooler bator than risk it with a desk lamp.

 

[NonnasBabies]

Quote:
If you buff orp is a normal size you can probably put 10-12 eggs under her!! Definetly more than 4!!

 

[deerman]

Quote:
If you buff orp is a normal size you can probably put 10-12 eggs under her!! Definetly more than 4!!

yes and even more with silkie eggs 18 i bet

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I have never had problems setting 14 or 15 under broody Orpington girls!