Can I put new store bought chicks under a brooding hen?

[asokatonu]

I have a local supply store and they are going to be hatching chicks and I really want to get some, but I would like to have one of my hens raise the new chicks. If I can convince one of my hens to go broody could I place the new chicks underneath her? Would she excepts the chicks? What can I do to convince my hen to go broody? Any suggestions and comments are highly appreciated! This is only my third year of having chickens and I raise my first flock by hand. Then I had one accident chick and one of the hens in my flock raised him. So I know that I would really rather if I could have a hen raise my new chicks instead of doing it on my own. Thank you!

 

[featheredplanets]

Hens that have been brooding for an appropriate time can sometimes adopt chicks successfully. However, there’s no way to make your hens broody. You can leave eggs to pile up and you can offer a dark, safe nest but it all comes down to hormones. It does help to start with notoriously broody breeds, like Silkies, but I know there are many Silkie owners who’s hens never brood. If you really want chicks then I would artificially brood them or wait until/if you get a broody then make plans. With adopting chicks it’s best to wait until the hen has been broody for at least 2 1/2 weeks.

 

[asokatonu]

Ok good to know. I do have some plastic eggs I can put in a side nest and my flock is made of Buff Orpington hens so they tend to be pretty broody. Plus if I can get one of them broody the store that is going to be selling chicks won’t even have the chicks for another 2 weeks. Thank you!