Hatching with a Bantam Cochin. Not yet, though. Where to find fertile eggs?

[Three Little Bunnies]

Hi!

I have heard that bantam Cochins are often broody. I would like for mine to eventually hatch some eggs. I have no rooster, though. Where can I get fertile eggs? I am in southern New Mexico.

Also, my little Jenny could barely fit one egg under her right now. When she is full grown, will she be able to fit more?

Thanks!

 

[NatJ]

Where to get fertile eggs:
a friend or neighbor who has chickens
the buy-sell-trade section of the forums on this site
ebay
hatchery-- yes, they mostly sell chicks, but some sell eggs as well.
private breeder (some have websites--google may help here)
your own chickens, if you choose to get a rooster

How many eggs for the bantam cochin:
it will depend on the size of the eggs, but I'm sure at least two (one under each side of her breast.) Probably 6 or more, if they're bantam eggs. A broody hen sits down and spreads herself out, so she can keep quite a few eggs warm. And she'll try to arrange the nesting material so it has higher sides and a bowl in the middle, so the eggs don't roll away and get cold.

You can check how many eggs, so you know how many fertile ones to get: when she's sitting on the nest (broody, or just getting ready to lay her egg for the day), put an egg next to her, and let her tuck it underneath with her beak. Then offer another. Continue until they start to stick out around the edges--the correct number is one or two less than that This can be done with her own eggs or with store-bought eggs or even with fake eggs.

If you buy fertile eggs that need to be mailed: buy a few more than you expect to need, because some may break while they're being mailed. (And if none break--they're still eggs. You can eat the extras.)

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

Where to get fertile eggs:
a friend or neighbor who has chickens
the buy-sell-trade section of the forums on this site
ebay
hatchery-- yes, they mostly sell chicks, but some sell eggs as well.
private breeder (some have websites--google may help here)
your own chickens, if you choose to get a rooster

How many eggs for the bantam cochin:
it will depend on the size of the eggs, but I'm sure at least two (one under each side of her breast.) Probably 6 or more, if they're bantam eggs. A broody hen sits down and spreads herself out, so she can keep quite a few eggs warm. And she'll try to arrange the nesting material so it has higher sides and a bowl in the middle, so the eggs don't roll away and get cold.

You can check how many eggs, so you know how many fertile ones to get: when she's sitting on the nest (broody, or just getting ready to lay her egg for the day), put an egg next to her, and let her tuck it underneath with her beak. Then offer another. Continue until they start to stick out around the edges--the correct number is one or two less than that This can be done with her own eggs or with store-bought eggs or even with fake eggs.

If you buy fertile eggs that need to be mailed: buy a few more than you expect to need, because some may break while they're being mailed. (And if none break--they're still eggs. You can eat the extras.)

Thank you!