How soon after going broody can you give chicks to a hen?

[DeadDogClub]

I have a mutt chicken in my flock who has been guarding the nest boxes for about a week and today I found her in the community nest box with her egg and two stolen from other hens. She has been in there all day (so far) and is super cranky.

I just hatched out chicks in the house here this week. I would consider giving her the Roos to raise.

Do chickens have a biological clock? If I slip week old chicks under her, will she be suspicious?

Thanks!

 

[Percheron chick]

All you can do is try. I've had hens take chicks over a week old.