How old can chicks be to graft onto broody hen?

[Chicken Chickita]

I have a broody silkie who has been trying to hatch a clutch of eggs for about a month. I want to give her some chicks. This worked well with her last year. I'm looking on Craiglist for people who have very young pullets. The youngest I've been able to find this week is about 10 days old. Does anyone know if that is too old to give to my little broody? I've never tried it with chicks more than 5 days old.

Thank you very much!! I really appreciate your advice!!

 

[sourland]

The younger the chicks, the greater the chance of success. Given that she is a silky, she would probably accept older chicks, but they may not accept her.

 

[beaker]

Is there a good way to introduce the chicks to the broody hen? I have 3-day old chicks and would like to introduce them to my broody.

 

[sourland]

Place them under the hen in the evening when she can not see them but can become accustomed to their chirps and movement. The younger the chicks and the longer the hen has been setting the greater the chance of success.

 

[highpointfarm]

Put it under the broody after they all go to roost