I've raised thousands of birds, mostly quail but some silkie chickens. Since the details you've provided is abbreviated, here's my advice. 17 chickens is a lot of work. Try to "negotiate" with your husband for a flock reduction. Select 3 at most to keep, sell off or harvest the rest. Eat or dispose of all of the remaining eggs that they lay. Don't hatch or allow the birds to hatch them. AND do all of the clean up yourself. My better half Robyn has NEVER cleaned anything to do with my pheasant, chukar, quail, dove or chickens. She only occasionally fed and watered them in my absence.
I reduced my flock to only 5 mountain quail due to the work involved with my hobby. I no longer incubate and hatch eggs. I fully understand how raising birds can get out of hand, you've reached that point.
