Can you buy a broody hen, and then stick eggs under her?

[robbdebbie]

I was wondering if you could buy a broody hen, then stick some ordered eggs under her. Would the transport from the place I buy her from to my house disrupt the broodiness?

Thanks,
Debbie

 

[gumpsgirl]

It's hard to say really. It would all depend on the broody. Most chickens have quite a time transitioning, so it really would be a gamble.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I'm afraid the answer is maybe. Broodies are not all that predictable, because there has been so much effort to breed it out of them, so it evidently occurs in varying degrees. Moving a chicken is always a bit stressful for them; no telling how she will react to the stress. Moving her after dark might increase the chance of success. Don't believe I'd order the eggs til after I moved her unless you have an incubator.

 

[Rootball]

better to just rent in situ.