A Note ON BROODIES
A dependable broody is valuable if you wish to raise chicks the old-fashioned way. When testing dependability of a firsttime broody, a small clutch of six eggs works well. If she quits after a week, you know not to give her eggs again. A dependable broody will continue to set beyond 21 days, if eggs haven’t yet hatched. (Some will set up to six weeks.) On average, a fullsized hen can incubate a dozen eggs. Premium eggs should be selected for incubation.