Broody silkie adopting older chicks!

[Danragg]

Hi guys, i have a broody silkie who has been sitting on golf balls for a almost a week now.
I know you can sneak day old chicks under a broody in the night but i was wondering what is the oldest chick you could sneak under a broody and her still adopt them. thanks in advance!
Dan

 

[Danragg]

...

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

The closer to 21 days since her going broody the better the chance she'll adopt them.

 

[Danragg]

thanks for the reply what is the oldest chick that the broody would except or do they have to be day old?
thanks

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

3 days and under will have the best results.

 

[Bryam]

Pretty much day Olds, as older chicks will not imprint on a hen, if they aren't with her from the time that they hatched. I would say the oldest is 1-4 days, older than that just raise them yourself.

 

[Danragg]

thanks for the info guys starting to wonder if i should just get older hens. what is the youngest hens that i can mix in with a flock of four silkies? thanks

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

Without a broody mom I usually don't integrate birds younger than 14 weeks.