Setting eggs under a broody?

[hd_darcy]

How exactly does this work? I have some eggs in my incubator that started off 'rough'. I had my temps too low for the first 2 -3 days. For this reason, I'm not positive on when I should start lockdown (Wednesday would be day 18 if I had my temps right)? Would it be possible to take a few eggs and put them underneath my hen who is sitting right now? Do they "lockdown"? Or is that something that just happens in an incubator?! LOL.. Hope that's not a dumb question. I'm just wondering if the eggs would stand a better chance if I put them under a hen?? She's been sitting for a little while, and i'm sure she'll be there in another week or so. More then enough time for the eggs to hatch.

TIA!!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

If it was me, I would, for sure, put them under my broody... especially with the delay question that you have. A broody senses (feels?) what is going on with the eggs and will act appropriately... I would trust her. A Broody is a wonder to behold!

ps: there are NO dumb questions... just dumb people who don't ask.

 

[hd_darcy]

Thank you!!! And also thank you for the 'no dumb question' comment

So, I have 14 eggs, I believe, in the incubator. When I candled there were a couple that looked like duds. I will obviously not put those under her, but how many of the others should I do, like 5? She's a bantam cochin so not sure how many she could handle..or I suppose I could switch 'em out w/ the ones she's sitting on now..hmm... Also, is there a better time to do it. I haven't seen her get off much at all. I imagine I could just run and grab the eggs if I ever catch her off the others?

Thanks for the help!