Best way to introduce chicks to a broody hen?

[Oncoming Storm]

I have a broody hen who is sitting on some eggs that I don’t want to hatch. At a different property, I just had a clutch of THIRTEEN hatch. I thought I would take a couple from that clutch and give them to my broody on the eggs. What’s the best way to do this?

 

[Ridgerunner]

The way I do it is to wait until after dark and slip the chicks under the hen after removing her eggs. The first few I cup in my hand to protect as I slip them in, pushing under with the back of my hand. After a few like that, I just put the rest in the nest next to her so I don't crush one that's already under her. Then early the next morning check to see how it is going.

 

[aart]

I have a broody hen who is sitting on some eggs that I don’t want to hatch

Are they fertile...why don't you want to hatch them?
How long has she been sitting?

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Are they fertile...why don't you want to hatch them?
How long has she been sitting?

Because the only rooster around is her kid so all the chicks would be inbred which I don’t really want. She’s been sitting for a couple weeks(?)

 

[aart]

Because the only rooster around is her kid so all the chicks would be inbred which I don’t really want. She’s been sitting for a couple weeks(?)

Eh...parent/offspring is not likely to cause problems.
It's rather common.

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Eh...parent/offspring is not likely to cause problems.
It's rather common.

Well I guess that’s...good...since our attempt to sneak in the chicks did not go well...