Broody hen with 3 eggs?

[angelito]

Good morning everyone. I have a question for anyone who had a broody hen sitting for 22 days and eggs were not fertile or developed. I was wondering if switching the eggs for new chicks would be a good idea or will the broody hen kill the chicks?

Thank you for any advice or idea!

 

[nuthatched]

Sometimes, people are able to successfully switch out eggs for chicks at night.
She'll likely not kill them, but stand by to make sure it goes well.

 

[Battlepants]

Do you have a fallback plan if she rejects the chicks? (a brooder ready to go)

 

[638858]

It will work. Add them one at a time, and give her 20-30 minutes and then add another.. start around sunset/dark.. they will snuggle up under her until mornin.. they will all be fine the next day.. I've done it many times.. never fails

 

[angelito]

Do you have a fallback plan if she rejects the chicks? (a brooder ready to go)

I do. I’m not sure if she would take them or reject them.

 

[angelito]

Sometimes, people are able to successfully switch out eggs for chicks at night.
She'll likely not kill them, but stand by to make sure it goes well.

This is good to know. I felt terrible about the hen doing all the work and nothing. Thank you!

 

[angelito]

It will work. Add them one at a time, and give her 20-30 minutes and then add another.. start around sunset/dark.. they will snuggle up under her until mornin.. they will all be fine the next day.. I've done it many times.. never fails

Awesome I’ll try it.

 

[Battlepants]

I do. I’m not sure if she would take them or reject them.

I'd say go for it! Just keep an eye on things in case she turns on them.

 

[angelito]

Good morning everyone. I have a question for anyone who had a broody hen sitting for 22 days and eggs were not fertile or developed. I was wondering if switching the eggs for new chicks would be a good idea or will the broody hen kill the chicks?

Thank you for any advice or idea!

Thank y’all for all the wisdom. I’m glad to report that the hen was a little upset about removing her eggs but was surprised by four little chicks I purchased and placed under her! She took them like they were always hers!

 

[angelito]