How many eggs will a broody steal?

[bantyhen'sfriend]

I have seen birds hold eggs with their wings. Apparently they shuffle the egg up under their wing with their feet on the nest. It's surprising when you lift the bird up and have a couple eggs fall back into the nest as you check her over!

 

[justtoni44]

My Dekaware , daidy, had 11 eggs.....and then she had 21........have not a clue how.........and she would not tell

 

[Mammachix]

Hi,

I'd like to revive this question about how a broody hen steals eggs. Mine either stole two really large ones today or she was off her nest for long enough for two hens to lay in her box. The puzzle is that the box is two feet off the ground! There is no way for her to roll eggs from another nest into hers. Is it possible for her to go into another nesting box, tuck the egg up under her wing, and then return with it to her own box? Or, is it more likely that when she takes a break, another hen is laying there? I'm glad she is getting breaks if so, but it is a mystery!

Thanks.