Welcome to BYC!
I've had good luck with introducing chicks to some of my broodies, however I've found that some hens just will not raise them if they didn't hatch them.
If you try again, make sure it's dark in the nest and cover the chicks completely while slipping them under her. I would not leave them alone with her until your sure that she has accepted them.
If she does accept them, she will make a steady clucking noise and if there is food available, she will began tapping it and calling them to eat. She may peck them gently to discipline them but she won't harm them.
If your chicks came from a farm store, they are likely 2 days old when they arrive. The older they are, the less likely it is that it will work.
It isn't always the hen that is at fault. If the babies won't pay attention to her commands, they are in danger of being hurt. She will instinctively discipline them with a peck or two to try and make them listen to her. Or, she may not recognize them as her own at all, depending on the hen.
Best of luck, I hope it works out.
I've had good luck with introducing chicks to some of my broodies, however I've found that some hens just will not raise them if they didn't hatch them.
If you try again, make sure it's dark in the nest and cover the chicks completely while slipping them under her. I would not leave them alone with her until your sure that she has accepted them.
If she does accept them, she will make a steady clucking noise and if there is food available, she will began tapping it and calling them to eat. She may peck them gently to discipline them but she won't harm them.
If your chicks came from a farm store, they are likely 2 days old when they arrive. The older they are, the less likely it is that it will work.
It isn't always the hen that is at fault. If the babies won't pay attention to her commands, they are in danger of being hurt. She will instinctively discipline them with a peck or two to try and make them listen to her. Or, she may not recognize them as her own at all, depending on the hen.
Best of luck, I hope it works out.