Broody hen incubator chicks

[Newchickadee30]

Hello,
I have a new broody hen as of yesterday.
I just started lockdown on my incubator today.
I’ve hatched lots in my incubator and lots with broody hens. However, I’ve never tried sneaking incubator chicks under a broody hen.
If this hen stays put on her nest for another 5 days (to hatch and I leave them in the incubator for 48 hours) are the odds that she will accept them the same as a hen that’s been sitting broody for 21 days?
I would sneak them under her at nighttime and only if she stays put on her nest. Just not sure if it’s a good idea.
Thank you

 

[sourland]

Fostering closest to 21 days of setting seems to be best, but some hens (especially experienced mothers) will accept chicks readily prior to that. I'd give it a try. Good luck.

 

[Clodill4rel]

Hello,
I have a new broody hen as of yesterday.
I just started lockdown on my incubator today.
I’ve hatched lots in my incubator and lots with broody hens. However, I’ve never tried sneaking incubator chicks under a broody hen.
If this hen stays put on her nest for another 5 days (to hatch and I leave them in the incubator for 48 hours) are the odds that she will accept them the same as a hen that’s been sitting broody for 21 days?
I would sneak them under her at nighttime and only if she stays put on her nest. Just not sure if it’s a good idea.
Thank you

I just did it last night all night with 5 from the incubator and it’s great!