[betty]

Hello everyone, just wanted to catch ya all up on my chooks.  I have 2 broody hens.  One has hatched out 2 Black Birchen Marans and 1 Black Copper Marans.  She had 17 eggs under her, and my question is, how many eggs should a broody hen have under her?  My mom says 17 is way to many?  Is there a number of eggs you should let them have?  thank you.  yf BETTY

[too many girls]

i've always been lead to believe 12 is enough for a largeish hen, it's not so much her keeping them all under her and warm, but how she would cope with so many chicks, someone will be along soon to put me right if i'm wrong.

[betty]

Well that does make alot of sence.  I'm sorry now for letting her gather them all.  But I have another broody one and I'm going to mark the eggs.  I'm afraid the one with all the eggs will get off the nest to soon now that she has 2 chicks.  My mother said I should take them from her until she hatches more, and then add them all back.  What do you think?   yf Betty

[too many girls]

absolutely no idea  i would have thought if you take the chicks away she would desert the nest anyway, if i were you i'd leave well alone and bin 4 or 5 eggs from the other hen, have you not got an incubator? you could always pop some in one.

[betty]

Yes I have an incub.  I think I'll wait and see if she leaves the nest, and if so I'll have the bater all ready.  I guess it's common sense, and I wasn't thinking   Well wish us luck, will keep ya updated.  Thank you so much, yf Betty

[too many girls]

your very welcome