How many fertilized eggs?

[Stablecoop]

Hi friends! We have a broody hen we’d like to get some fertilized eggs for. We ultimately want 2 or 3 new pullets for the flock, how many fertilized eggs should we purchase to get this number? Thank you!!

 

[Iluveggers]

If they are local eggs, I would get 1/2 dozen. If they are shipped, 1 dozen but either way be prepared to rehome extras if they survive shipping better than usual!

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

If they are local eggs, I would get 1/2 dozen. If they are shipped, 1 dozen but either way be prepared to rehome extras if they survive shipping better than usual!

X2

 

[Ridgerunner]

You never know how many eggs will hatch. I've had 100% hatch rate with shipped eggs, I had a 30% hatch with eggs I picked up locally. You never know if the ones you hatch will be boys or girls. I had 7 pullets out of 7 one time, it could as easily been 7 boys. The odds of that are less than 1 in 100 but it happened anyway.

Your goal is two to three pullets. The odds are you will get some boys if they hatch. As many times as I've hatched 2/3 or even 3/4 boys, I'd go with a minimum of 8 eggs, even local. But I can do something with the excess, even if they are pullets. I will eat the excess girls and any boys I get. Even with 8 I can't give you any guarantees but your odds are better than with just 6. Good luck!