Can I buy fertilized eggs for a broody hen to hatch?

[chicken mama 0908]

Can I buy fertilized eggs for a broody hen to hatch? I don't know the details to hatching eggs is this possible? I think it is not possible, but I am curious.

 

[fluffycrow]

You can. The hatch rate may not be so great

 

[SilverBirds]

It is possible, and many people do it. There are risks, eggs can be damaged during shipping and no longer be viable to hatch. The hen may decide halfway through she is done sitting and abandon the nest, so you'll need a backup plan if that happens. If you decide to buy some fertile eggs I would go with the most local option you can find (as long as it seems safe and not a scam). If you decide against fertile eggs, you can either try buying chicks, which may or may not work out, or breaking the broody.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can but it depends on how long the hen has already been broody if it is advisable or not.

 

[Nym]

< ----- My Betty goes broody but will only ever hatch two chicks from the six I bought from locals. She is a great sitter and mother so I'm not sure why only two have hatched both times? I only paid a few dollars both times, so not a big deal financially.

Happy hatching!

 

[gimmie birdies]

Try to find some locally.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Some good feedback has been given already.

I will just add that I refuse to buy hatching eggs or chicks from unknown sources.. as it's one way I see folks bringing disease to their flock.. Chronic respiratory stuff, salmonella, etc.

 

[chicken mama 0908]

I don't know when I will do this as my chickens don't lay yet. I really want to try though.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

So you don't have a broody hen currently, nor ever had one?

 

[chicken mama 0908]

So you don't have a broody hen currently, nor ever had one?

No. It is kind of funny that I made this post. I just really want to hatch chicks at some point and want to learn how to do it beforehand. Sorry I took so long to answer you.