How many eggs do I give my broody hen to hatch?

[SunnyChic]

My black Orpington pullet just went broody for the first time, and someone is sending me a dozen hatching eggs. I can put extras in my incubator; how many should I put under my broody?

 

[Marie1234]

A black orp should be able to handle one dozen well. After candling at day seven you may have a few to remove anyway, or she may toss one if she thinks it is bad. My buff orp (hatchery stock) covered 18 eggs, tossed 3, and hatched the rest. It is so much easier to have a broody than a bator. Good luck!

 

[SunnyChic]

Thanks! She's been totally devoted to the fake eggs under her for the past 3 days; that's a great idea to candle the eggs at seven days.