Broody Hen

[BobbiStandley]

Whats the earliest anyone has placed chicks under a broody hen? I have a hen that's been setting for less than a week and I'm really tempted to give her some chicks but don't want to do it too soon and end up with babies I now have to brood.
She has successfully raised chicks in the past and was an excellent mother. I just hate having to go out and make sure to collect the extra eggs and play musical nest boxes and all that and hope her eggs make it to hatch date :/
Thanks for any input!

 

[Debbie292d]

She could become "unbroody" at any time. Broody is hormonal, so she either is or isn't. It doesn't matter when you try as she'll change to mother mode if she accepts them. I'd go for it!

Wishing you luck!

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

It sounds like it's pretty early to be placing chicks under her. Do you have chicks right now? They can be a couple of weeks old when you place them under, but I don't know if it'll work with your hen. If you have the chicks now, you can try placing one under her and see how she does. If she accepts it, you can try sneaking the rest under her. I'm just thinking it's a little early.