Leaving eggs in a nest box?

If I just left the eggs in the nest box instead of collecting them would a hen eventually return to them and go broody?


This does not work well when there are a number of hens laying in close proximity as too many eggs are laid in a nest each day and they will get broken leading to egg eating. Temperature is also a factor. Many group members are posting of temperatures exceeding 100 F. in which case eggs will go bad quickly; a better idea is to put one dummy egg in the nest you want the hens to brood each day until there is a dozen or so. I use this practice with my own hens and it has never failed-a hen has always gone broody presented with a nest full of eggs over time.

In the case of a single hen, single nest, and good daily temperatures eggs can be left in the nest.

Keep in mind that many breeds do not have the brooding instinct and will never brood; these breeds are raised/bred to produce numerous eggs and their natural instinct to raise young no longer exists..
 
No. Leaving a bunch of eggs in a nest box will not cause broodiness. Most hatchery birds have had inclination for broodiness bred out. Collect all eggs at least once or twice a day. Store them fat end up, that way, if you do have a hen go broody, you can just slip a few marked eggs under her.
 

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