Broody hen-where to source eggs?

[DollyDolls]

I have one of my 4 hens is being very broody.
Given that it seems best to get some fertilised eggs for her to sit on, I have no idea where to get them. I don't have a Cockerel to assist!
The Farm where we got them is a long drive, otherwise I'd go there.

 

[Clodagh]

I could post you some, except my hens are mainly broody at the moment. Where in the country are you? What breed did you want? Bantam or large fowl? Do you have a plan in place for excess males you may hatch?
So many questions! LOL.

 

[jrp204]

Your local paper may be worth a shot or google 'hatching eggs' and your county. I have had eggs off ebay but haven't found the success rate to be that good. When you get some,move the hen and some ordinary eggs to a quiet pen on her own, when you know she is sitting tight, swap the eggs over.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Preloved has lots. I'm in the same situation with one of ours but am worried about buying hatching eggs as I don't want to end up with baby cockerels ( of course growing into big ones!)

 

[DW Team]

There seem to be a fair number on ebay and a friend had a great clutch of eggs from a trader on there all fertile but on hatching she had 12 cockerels! Very unlucky she tried again later in the year with a second batch same trader and has 8 out of 12 hens. She kept the boys until big enough for the pot.

 

[millsandboon]

Go on to a good forum like Practical poultry. They have a specific section for people wanting hatching eggs. Choose your breed and get them sent out. Make sure you are in to receive your delivery. You cannot leave hatching eggs sitting around in this weather!! The postmen can leave them in silly places Leave them for 24 hours pointy end down in a cool place and then set then under your broody. There are also local poultry auctions around the country that sell hatching eggs. Good luck

 

[DollyDolls]

We're in South Devon. There is a poultry auction in Newton Abbot this sat so I think I may head there.
Any cockerals will go to the pot.
So far we have a mixture of large breeds such as maran and Sussex.

 

[Nudibranch]

I've bought eggs via the post from breeder's websites and eBay. I have to say the flashy website breeder's eggs had a zero hatch rate whereas with every eBay clutch I've had at least 80% hatch rates! And nice quality birds. If you buy through the post it is well worth paying for next day delivery though, it seems to make a big difference. Just google or eBay your breed and read the seller's info carefully before deciding.