First time w/ Broody Hen: Lots of questions

[lilapot]

Hi guys,

So this is the first time I've had a broody hen. She is in the laying box all day and madly clucks at us if we disturb her. I'm excited, but I have lots of questions.
1. Is it OK to put chicks under her? Will she adopt them? What do you need to do that? We can't put fertilized eggs under her because we cannot have the chance of roosters, they're not allowed in our neighborhood.
2. If we put chicks under her, do they have to be her breed? She is a Speckled Sussex.
3. How long should we let her be broody if we want to give her chicks or hatch?

That's all I have for now, but I'll probably have more questions later. Thanks in advance!

 

[Aunt Angus]

I just did this with great success!

1) Not all broodies will adopt. You need to be prepared to raise them yourself if she rejects them. Get chicks as young as possible. Let your girl sit for a while to make sure she's serious. I let mine sit for about 18 days. Normal incubation is 21 days. I've read you don't have to wait that long. Do it at night when it's really dark. Be very observant. You will know by morning if she will take them. I went in before dawn after I stuck them under her and removed the fake eggs I left her on. I separated her, too, into the isolation pen I built under my poop board. Make sure you have ample time to observe. I did it on day one of my week off.

2) My buff Orpington adopted a Welsummer.

3) See answer #1.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I am so excited for you! It's been a great experience, and I hope to do it again someday.

Ask away! You are in the right place!

 

[lilapot]

Thank you so much! I'll keep you updated. I just love the BYC community, and how eagerly they answer questions!

 

[Quailberries]

If you’re ok with culling or can find an alternative home for possible roosters you could probably get away with putting fertile sexlink eggs under her- or really just any autosex chick eggs for that matter. The pullets and cockerels look very different from day 1 and you would be able to tell right away.

Good luck!

 

[Happy Henny]

Good Luck with getting your broody some chicks!

 

[HERSHORTNESS]

Your broody will take care of any kind of chick if she is going to adopt them. Does not have to be the same. Just like a broody will sit on anyone's eggs. (Any breed and even ducks) my broody sat on the three eggs I let her keep and none were hers.
I have read that the best time to put them under her is at complete dark. No flashlights. No talking. Just put them under her.