how long does it take/will it work

[darz5150]

we have 10 hens , mixed breeds, and 1 rooster. The rooster is obviously doing his job with most of the hens. I am going to try to let one of the more broody hens sit on2 of the eggs from the hens that I know have been taken by the rooster. My question is how long should it take to hatch the eggs, and if this is even possible with out an incubator. Since it is summer I figured the chicks would have time to grow before winter sets in.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

It takes 21 days to hatch and it is usually better to have a hen hatch them out.

 

[chippysmom327]

It will take 21 days from start to finish to hatch the eggs. You won't need to intervene, she'll do all the work unless she neglects them. Then you'll need to take care of them. I'd pen her off her own area to hatch and raise the chicks, where the others can't bother them for the first few weeks. They'll also need special food because they're babies.

 

[darz5150]

Thanks for the quick answers. I am trying to control the size of the flock naturally if possible. I appreciate your help. Once again thankyou very much. I will post the results in 3 weeks.

 

[darz5150]

One chick hatched today, apparently healthy so far. The other egg was tossed out 3 days ago by the broody hen. ( maybe she new it was a bad egg)

 

[chippysmom327]

Woo hoo! Broodies are so cool!