Incubated eggs given to broody hen?

[fightingbunny]

I have 5 eggs that will hatch in 6 days. My hen started going broody last week and now seems very serious about it. Does she needs eggs that are new or can I slip these incubated eggs under her tonight? These are my expensive eggs (opal legbars) and I REALLY don't want them to die! But it would be awesome to have them raised by a mama. My husband thinks we have too many chickens already and we shouldn't get any new eggs. Because these can be sexed at hatch, it is likely that I will only have one or two females to keep. Would it depress the hen having half her chicks taken away? Also, does the hen and chicks need a separate coop? She seems happy enough in one of the nest boxes. Well, not happy when I look in there I had no idea chickens could puff up and hiss like that!

Thanks for any advice!
Jenn

 

[BYchickens]

1) yes i think giving some to the hen would be great but maybe keep one in the incubator (just in case)
2) Having her chicks taken away might make her stressed and protective.
3) no, keep the hen and chicks together in the same coop because if you don't they will miss their mamma.

Happy hatching!
(if you have any questions just ask)