Broody hen

[two j farm]

I have 4 hens sitting2 just started 1 has been sitting almost 3weeks and the other one has been sitting for 2 weeks. One of the hens that just started took the eggs that are about to hatch so now the other hen is on new eggs. Can I put some 4 day old chicks under her? It's hot here and I don't want her sitting another 3 weeks. I did put her eggs back under her but the other hen took them back.

 

[sourland]

If she were mine, I would give back her eggs and fence her off so that the other hen could not take them. 4 day old chicks might work, but they may be too old to imprint on the hen.

 

[two j farm]

Thanks I really can't keep them apart because of the way my nest boxes are made I think I will just keep giving them back for now because I don't want to lose any of the chicks I hatched. (I have someone who wants the chicks)

 

[two j farm]

I have never had so many hens go broody at the same time. Do you think when they all start to hatch the other broody hens will come off their nest? Or try to kill all the chicks? I have had 2 at a time and one tired to take all of the chicks. Any one who has had more then 2 please let me know how it worked out for you.