How many eggs can you give a Silkie?

[babsh]

I have a dozen silkie eggs arriving in a day or two. I just realized i can't give them all to her. How many? 8?

Barb

 

[spydertoys]

My last broody girl had 18 of them..14 hatched.

 

[equus2]

Sure you can! Is she fully broody, and secluded from other layers? (Mine hoarded eggs, and one day, she had 24 under there!. She was against a cold brick wall, so I put them in the bator, got 15, which I thought was OK!

 

[babsh]

Really? I'm surprised. I thought if they had too many it would be difficult for her to keep them all covered, and thus, warm enough?

Barb

 

[babsh]

Quote:
Was this a bantam?

Barb

 

[spydertoys]

A Silkie mama hatched 14 out of 18. They can flatten out and cover them all..it's really quite amazing!!
I currently have 21 eggs under a Standard Cochin who decided to go broody on one egg..lol.

 

[babsh]

Quote:
Wow. I never would have guessed. Thanks. I guess I'll give them all to her.

Barb

 

[Southernbelle]

The general rule is they can cover about a dozen eggs the same size they lay. So, a dozen Silkie eggs for a Silkie is perfect. I usually give my Silkies about 6 standard eggs or 12 banty eggs. I don't usually push the limits over 12 because I worry about her covering them all, especially while the weather is still cool.

 

[al6517]

Wow that sounds like so many given the size of the little Silkie.

AL

 

[spydertoys]

I didn't give her that many..she stole that many. She was grabbing from the other hens..lol!! But she did a fine job!!