How many eggs can a broody hen hatch?

[rod5591]

Hi everyone! I was excited to see that one of my noir maran hens has gone broody and is sitting on 2 eggs! So I want to put more eggs under her tomorrow--how many can I add to her nest? I want to hatch more chicks this year!

Can a hen hatch 12 eggs? Please let me know your thoughts!

Thanks

 

[sourland]

If she has a well formed, bowl shaped nest and can effectively cover them, yes she can hatch 12 eggs.