How to let just two eggs hatch under broody hen?

[Shannonwbl]

We have had chickens for a couple of years, but we have always bought our chicks. Now that we have a roo, and a broody hen (I think) I was considering letting her hatch 2-3 eggs. Is that possible, and if so how should I go about it? She is a Jersey Giant and I have found her on the nest every time I go into the coop. Should I just mark a couple of eggs for her to keep and pull out all the rest?

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
personally, I'd let her hatch as many as she can

They only truely sit on them after they have so many. It's a chicken conspiracy to increase your flock, as they never publish their requirements much to the detriment to the humans they train.

 

[ScoobyRoo]

When mine are broody, I mark them and let them have no more than 5 eggs. I really don't need anymore chickens. Just this week, I had four under a broody. Only two hatched. That means I get to go to the feed store and buy a pullet that I want.

My hens have been adopting the newcomers just fine!

 

[Shannonwbl]

I was afraid that might be the answer. Maybe I could replace each pulled egg with a "dummie" egg? I really don't NEED anymore chickens, but I think my kids would get a kick out of being chicken grandparents.