It will depend on the capacity of the broody hen. Most of the chicken breeds are capable of sitting on 10-12 eggs. In my case, I have had hens that can incubate 14-16 eggs. Again, the number of eggs may depend on the biological potential of the chicken.
It really takes a full understanding of how hens hatch their eggs. In my experience, I have seen hens started to brood when they feel like it’s time to do so. Some started sitting on the eggs when they reached 8-12. Sometimes, the hen will decide when to do so; however, it is observed that some of them do not have a good sense. I have hens that limitedly brood 3 eggs, and this is quite good. One time, I have a hen that broods 27 eggs, which is basically enormous, and what happened was it only hatched 5 chicks. Still, it is a disadvantage when a hen broods more than its capacity.
What Is The Ideal Number of Eggs For A Hen To Sit On?
Well, the ideal number of eggs a hen can sit on varies on its size and type. For instance, a bantam may actually provide warmth for 10 eggs while only 3 for turkey eggs. Take note that the two breeds of chicken have different types and sizes of eggs. It is essential not to put numerous eggs on the hen to accommodate them effectively. This means that it is better to have a small number of eggs when the hen decides to brood. Because in this process, the eggs will have to take turns outside the cold, if there is a volume of them, the one exposed in the cold will die.
Understanding A Broody Hen
Gail Damerow defines a hen that is broody would prefer to hatch eggs than to lay them. It sets itself to build a family.
It is then important to understand the traits of a brooding hen. Below are the behavioral patterns of a hen once it gets broody:
- Look on their feathers found below the belly area. If the feathers are gradually losing, it is a sign that the skin of the hen is set to be in contact with the eggs.
- There is a loss of appetite on the part of the hen.
- Observe that when you get close to the hen, it unusually crouches.
- It shows ready to fight aura when you get close to its nesting area; it may even show you a defense mechanism such as pecking.
- You notice the hen sitting or crouching on the nesting space even if there’s no egg on it.
- You observe that their pens are set in a silent area, free from disturbance.
- Your nose sense a more smelly poop.
What About The Incubation Periods?
Incubation periods vary according to the breed of hen; thus, below will show you the different periods undertaken by a hen before it hatches the eggs:
- Hens (21 days)
- Bantams (19 days)
- Ducks (26-28 days)
- Muscovy ducks (33-35 days)
- Geese (30-33 days)
- Guinea fowl and turkeys (26-28 days)
- Pheasants and quail (21-28 days)
How To Take Good Care of The Hens & Chicks?
As the owner, it is your sole responsibility to provide a safe space for the hen and chicks. Please put them in an area where there is no need to worry about predators. Space should have the right amount of temperature for the chicks not to die in the cold. The hen will do the act of providing warmth to its chicks. Other than her protective care, she will teach them how to eat. Note that this set-up will run within 2 weeks.
Scientifically, a newborn chick biologically has a natural yolk sac that provides them food up to 72 hours after they are hatched from the egg. You can give these chicks a starter feed. The best example will be a tiny grind rich with protein mix. Do not also forget to feed the hen. You have to provide a separate space for the hen’s food if you see it eating the feed provided for the chicks.
Part of your list is the giving of supply drinking water to both chicken and hens. Just take precautions on the style of water container, for it may drown the young chicken. Always highlight the safety of the animal if you want to have a multitude of them.
The chicks are normally left with their mother until they are about 6 weeks old, but they can be taken away from about 3 weeks as long as they are kept safe and warm. From 6 weeks of age, the chicks should be fed a growers’ meal that has slightly less protein than a starter meal.
Normally, chicks can independently live without the mother after reaching 6 weeks. But there are instances where they can be separated 3 weeks provided that they are given enough warmth. A 6-week old chick should be given with grower’s food with a lesser amount of protein than a meal for a starter.
What Are The Differences of a Broody Hen & Non-broody Hen?
Willis and Ludlow technically define a hen laying an egg as a creature that undergoes hormonal change an hour before it lays its offspring. This is followed by finding a space for her eggs. Once she succeeds in looking for a nest, they shape it to accommodate the eggs, this process allows the hen to design her convenience. As they lay eggs, hens will experience a hormonal pull-down and will stay still for a few moments before they get up.
When Will a Hen Gets Broody?
A hen will stay longer in the nesting area than what she does in a normal set-up. A hen will have to spend a few moments to stay in the nesting area, which is just enough to make the nest convenient; it lays eggs and then becomes idle for a moment.
The duration of time a broody hen will spend on her nest may vary depending on its degree of broodiness. Typically, they spend more time staying on the nest than what they usually do.
Take note also that hens are quite aggressive when undergoing this stage. And when they are being shooed, they immediately return to the nest.
Damerow takes into account the different sounds these hens produce when they are moody. They create sound like hissing and howling. Notice also the decrease in the level of food intake once the hen gets on this stage. You may notice a decrease in the weight of a chicken that has been broody for a week. This period implies that they are set to hatch eggs and will have to undergo the required days for the embryo to develop into a chick.
