max number of eggs under a broody?

[spoolin]

what's the maximum number of eggs you are to put under a broody hen?

 

[spoolin]

anyone....

 

[spoolin]

how many should i put?.......
thank you

 

[lisahaschickens]

I don't know anything about this, but maybe you should change the thread title to "max number of eggs under a broody?" or something like that... perhaps it will give you more hits. I clicked because I was curious what the title meant, but I wouldn't have guess your question until I clicked into the thread.

 

[horsegirl]

It depends.

Do you have a bantam or a regular size chicken...

For bantams I usually put under around 8 eggs, for full size chickens 12-15. With those numbers I tend to have a good hatch, occasionally there will be a hen that is a bad mommy, but that is not neccessarily because of the number of eggs.

Hope this answers your question!

 

[spoolin]

i have a standard size breed.

 

[JennsPeeps]

See how many will fit. I've heard of standards hatching up to 15 chicks. See what she'll tolerate & go with that. I'd guess 8-10 at most.

 

[ghulst]

15 is usally a good number.

 

[Beekissed]

I have found, even with a good-sized hen, that 8-10 seems like a right fit. You don't want them moving around a lot trying to shuffle too many eggs to make them fit. I put 10 under the first time and two got damaged by a claw.

Second time, a different broody, 10 eggs.....2 got damaged by a claw.

Eight is just about right, it seems.

 

[Brickman House]

We have heavy breeds, and generally put 10-12 under.

It seems as if too many more don't get covered as well.