How many chicks can my hen properly 'mother'??

[LovinMyHensInNC!]

My hen is sitting on golf balls and I plan to place an order for some chicks to slip under her. What is the max number of chicks she can handle and keep safe? She and the chicks will not be separated from my other chickens and rooster. Last year we let her hatch out three and she was a great mama and wouldn't let anything come near them.

Thanks!

 

[Fritatta]

well Im sure that depends on the mom, the number of dangers they encounter in your area, and the security you provide for them.

your mom is proven, so thats great. bigger moms can sit on more eggs or bigger eggs. What is the breed?

does the flock have a RESPONSIBLE roo?

You will lose some eggs/chicks, its inevitable.

 

[Anianna]

The university experiment stations regularly give each standard hen 20 eggs to hatch and raise.

 

[Maximus]

I would say about 12.

 

[LovinMyHensInNC!]

She is a Black Australorp and we do have a great roo. We currently have only 11 chickens in a very large fenced run that borders my goats and Great Pyrenees (added protection from predators).

Once again, I plan to slip some hatchery chicks under her in a few weeks.

 

[Maximus]

Well now I would Prob say 16.

 

[Fritatta]

LovinMyHensInNC! :

She is a Black Australorp and we do have a great roo. We currently have only 11 chickens in a very large fenced run that borders my goats and Great Pyrenees (added protection from predators).

Once again, I plan to slip some hatchery chicks under her in a few weeks.

sounds like chicken heaven! go for it - 20!​