Broody hen raising hatched chicks

[rmhessjr]

Can week old chicks be raised by a broody hen?

 

[Dmontgomery]

They can, but if they are already a week old she may not accept them. It's better when the chicks are 1-3 days old. It just depends on the hen. You can try but she may reject them. Just watch her closely. It's best to try it late at night, after she's asleep.

 

[n3ttst3r]

Only once have I had a broody take in week olds normally they reject them (and this one was the best momma I have ever owned I could toss almost anything under her that was 3 or less days and in almost any number and she'd take them in, she was known to try and steal babies from other mommas if her mood was right lol) you can try but I wouldn't get my hopes up about it.