1 Broody, 2 clutches?

[RedMoxie]

We purchased 2 sets of eggs on line. One got here today and one set might still be a couple weeks away. We intended on hatching both in an incubator, but today (a freaking miracle) one of my orps went broody. If she is still broody tomorrow, we'll shift the set of eggs we have settling on the counter under her and skip the incubator.

My question is, if we put the other eggs--a week or even 2 behind (depending on when they get here) in the incubator and let them hatch inside, can we possibly slip the chicks into the coop with the mama orp and her babies (again, a week or so older) and expect her to take care of them? Any chance that will work?

 

[justin24]

It’s possible but u have be very careful and watch her with the babies it might not work

 

[justin24]

So be prepared if doesn’t work

 

[sourland]

Most hens imprint strongly on their chicks in 24 hours or so and regard any others as 'strangers' and will peck at and even kill them. I have known of some hens (generally silkies or silky crosses) that were more accepting of chicks, but they are the exception rather than the rule.