Incubator free Hatching?

[sunnibunny99]

Do you HAVE to have an incubator to hatch chicks? Or can it be done the old fashioned way with the chicken incubating the egg?

We heard it had been bred out of them!


We're thinking we have a rooster and when they're older, we would like too breed...

But MOM doesn't want to get an incubator and use all the energy an incubator requires when she thinks the hens can incubate their own eggs!


Any answers on this?

The pullets and/or roo(s) are getting older, now at two months!


Thanks!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Yes, hens can still incubate eggs. Just throw them under a Silkie or two and in 21 days.... Viola! You've got chicks.

 

[vickie2133]

Hens can still go broody and hatch their own out. Alot of us are just addicted to the hatching and can't wait.

 

[sunnibunny99]

Why a silkie?

 

[sunnibunny99]

Thanks for your quick responses!


By the way, how long does it take in an incubator?

 

[SunnyChic]

21 days

 

[pdsavage]

The hen has to go broody..
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKBroody.html

 

[Buckguy20]

A Silkie is a breed of chicken that is know for going broody or "setting" on eggs.
Some breeds won't ever go broody some will alot.

 

[sunnibunny99]

Thanks!

 

[SarahFair]

So who has the better hatch rate?
Incubator or Hen?