How many eggs can I put under a broody?

[suzpyoung]

My first batch of 20 in the 'bator is a bust (day 25 right now - only 4 look developed, threw 16 away last night - still on a thin thread of hope).

My precious RIR bantam, Delilah just went broody again - just in time for my 2nd dozen Ameraucana eggs to arrive Wednesday. How many standard sized eggs can she comfortably set on? I'll put the remainder in the incubator, and hopefully will have everything under control this time now that I have a good thermometer and a hygrometer.

 

[SunshineSilkies]

The most I put under my bantams-8. Standard size hens-12. Seems to work well for me!

 

[suzpyoung]

That many? Wow! I can't picture 8 standard-sized eggs under her lil' bod. I was hoping she could handle 4 - thanks!

 

[clucking chicken]

a bantam should hold roughly 6 - 8 medium eggs i would put 6 medium eggs or 7 small eggs, or 4-5 large eggs
hope all goes well and have a good hatch