how long does a broody need to set before i can put chicks under her?

[haTHOR]

my black java has been on the nest steady for 9 days. she is looking bad--won't leave the nest for food or water AT ALL when i see her. i don't want to hatch out my eggs right now, but the lady down the road who has jeanne line FCBMs is hatching eggs TODAY.

is it too soon, doing it tonight? or is 9 days enough to cue her in to expecting babes? anyone have experience with this?

 

[macmama]

I think that varies a LOT with the broody. All you can do is try-- but you should be able to gauge her response when she hears the chicks peeping. If she makes soft clucks back to them she will probably do great-- if she looks panicked or confused I wouldn't trust her.

 

[haTHOR]

so, even in the deep of night, she should cluck back?