encouraging broodiness

[Zaxby's2]

As you can see by the subject I am currently trying to encourage my hens to go broody. The only thing I've done so far is let the eggs build up in the nesting box instead of collecting them. My question is how long can I leave the eggs out there before they become unsafe to eat. Spring just came for us so the high temperature right now is generally 75-89, and I wonder if this might cause the eggs to start to develop or something. Also what chance do I probably have of getting the hens to go broody. I currently have two RIRs, two BOs, and an adult cornish cross, and one RIR rooster. All the hens are laying. Any answers are appreciated.

 

[Centralflafred]

My RIR's won't go broody at all. I think it's been bred out of them. This year's addition, the BO's will and have. I put golf balls in my nest boxes to stop egg eating and they started going broody too.

 

[Pinky]

They will go broody when you don't want them to. Instead of letting eggs go bad, I would use a clutch of fake eggs. When the hen decides to go broody, move the fake eggs and put the desired amount of hatching eggs under her.

 

[Zaxby's2]

Thanks! What exactly do you mean by fake eggs? As in Easter eggs?

 

[Pinky]

Yes, easter eggs, wooden eggs, even golf balls

I think anything egg sized and round will work.

 

[Zaxby's2]

Wow, thanks! Also I've been leaving the eggs out there for three days now. Are the eggs still edible?

 

[Pinky]

If no one's been sitting on them they should still be

If you're unsure, crack them in a bowl before cooking them. If they don't smell bad, they're still good. Oh, and

!

 

[Zaxby's2]

Thanks for all your help(and for the welcome)! I'm hoping for my own batch of chicks!

 

[Pinky]

Good luck!

When you get some don't foget to post some pics!

 

[Zaxby's2]

Okay! Can't wait!