when do I put ordered fertile eggs under my broody?

[junebuggena]

For a first time broody, I would give her about 8. It's very important that you don't give her more than she can adequately cover. And sometimes, the number of eggs a hen can cover is more to do with the individual rather than the size. I've got two Australorps that are about the same size. One hen can only cover 8 eggs. The other can easily handle 15. Some are just better at it than others.

 

[Lelanae]

For a first time broody, I would give her about 8. It's very important that you don't give her more than she can adequately cover. And sometimes, the number of eggs a hen can cover is more to do with the individual rather than the size. I've got two Australorps that are about the same size. One hen can only cover 8 eggs. The other can easily handle 15. Some are just better at it than others.

Thank you! Do you recommend my whole flock getting starter crumbles when the babies (crossing my fingers!) hatch?
Here is a picture of my broody girl.

 

[junebuggena]

Unmedicated starter, all flock, or flock raiser feeds are safe for all ages, stages, and genders. The only feed that isn't really safe for everyone is layer feed, due to the high calcium content.
I've never bothered feeding layer feed. It's much simpler to only buy and dish out one feed to everyone.
I've only ever fed flock raiser, supplementing with crushed oyster shell for calcium.