How many eggs should I keep in nest for my hen do go broody

[nicoschill]

My hen duck has laid 12 eggs up to now, and I keep them in her nest because I want to stimulate her go broody (if she goes eventually). I've read that I should keep between 15-20 eggs in her nest. If she reaches the number 20 for how long should I keep the eggs hoping that she will go broody? If she eventually doesn't sit on them, which of the 20 eggs should I eat? (average temperature around these period is 72F) When she reaches the number 20 will she stop or will she continue to lay eggs?

 

[Poultry parent]

20 is way, way too many unless you have a big hen, and small eggs. The ideal number is 12-15 depending on size

 

[nicoschill]

Thank you for your reply. So then should I remove the old ones every day and keep always the number 15 in the nest? Can I eat an egg that stayed for 15 days in the nest?

 

[Percheron chick]

I wouldn't. No guarantee she'll read the memo and go broody. Might be time to load the incubator. I have goose eggs that i gathered over a 3 week period and all but one are developing. I wouldn't go any past 3 weeks old. 2 is better. Hatch not eat.

 

[Poultry parent]

I'd just leave 3-4 in the nest if you want to help encourage her to go broody. If she broods you can give her more eggs

 

[nicoschill]

Thank you so much for your answer.

 

[nicoschill]

Thank you so much for your answer