Broody hens setting 10 days or 21?

[ScoobyRoo]

I have been trying unsuccessfully to get guinea keets to put under one of my broodys. I have a broody hatching out her chicks now but the nearby hatchery does not have any keets available yet. He should have them next week. HOWEVER, I have another hen that just started setting three days ago. If the keets come in next week, can I stick them under her and pitch the eggs? I put unfertilized duck eggs under her for now. I really don't need anymore chicks

I just didn't know if they really needed to set for 21 days or if they would even noticed the time (week) difference. This is her first time going broody. Anyone with their experiences is greatly appreciated.

 

[Love my Critters!]

IMO I would do it. I suspect that the hen won't set for an extended period of time on her nest, but once the eggs start to develope she will feel them and stay put most likely. My father always said that a good hen knows when it's time to give up on a nest or to stay put and wait it out. If it were me I would give it a try. Good luck!

 

[ScoobyRoo]

Thanks for the encouragement. I just wondered if anyone else "cheated" their broody hen out of 10+ days and stuck live chicks under her before the actual due date of the hatch. I'm stopping by a feed store today that gets new shipments in every Thursday. Maybe there will be guineas this time!?!