How many eggs can I put under a broody hen?

[Ella2710]

I have a broody rhode red right now and I wanted to hatch a dozen or more silkie eggs, is this possible or would th at be too many? Silkies eggs are smaller, so I'm thinking maybe I could do it, any thoughts welcome on this.

 

[hysop]

12-15 should be good.

Just make sure she’s officially broody. I set some eggs under a broody who has been broody for 3 days and go figure she stopped being broody by day 5

 

[Ella2710]

12-15 should be good.

Just make sure she’s officially broody. I set some eggs under a broody who has been broody for 3 days and go figure she stopped being broody by day 5

Thanks for the advice! I will wait a few days to put eggs under her then (we are planning on getting show quality silkieeggs from a breeder) so I am glad you told me that!

 

[hysop]

Thanks for the advice! I will wait a few days to put eggs under her then (we are planning on getting show quality silkieeggs from a breeder) so I am glad you told me that!

Just make sure you have a backup like an incubator or something. Because if this is her first time being broody then there’s no telling if she’ll stick to the full time and if she’ll even be a good mother.