Incubator to broody

[pgpoultry]

I am incubating a batch of eggs (day 11) and today one of my Brahmas has gone seriously broody. (sitting two real and two rubber eggs). Can I replace the current eggs with my incubator eggs? If yes, will she think that the sitting time is a bit short or will she just respond to the movement of the chicks in the egg?
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Sandie

 

[cashdl]

I did it with 3 hens and it seems to have worked. On hen started hatching a couple of days ago. One hatches this weekend and one stood up and pooped on the eggs today on day twelve so I kicked her out and moved them to the incubator. I would just keep an eye on her and do it at night. Watch her reactions as you near the hatch date and once you hit the hatch date check on her as often as you can.

Lanae

 

[Matt A NC]

I do this all the time. Especially with shipped eggs or eggs that I do not know the fertility. I don't want my girls to just waste their time.

Year before last when Pigie went broody and I gave her eggs from the bator. She hatched in 8 days. She went from "setting mode" to "momma mode" just fine. Time is NOT important. All it takes is that first peep under them to get the clucking started.

Matt

 

[raimnel]

my eggs in the 'bator were a week in when I took 2 out and stuck them under my broody silkie. I can hear peeping comming from those 2 eggs but no pips YET! she's gonna think she's SUPER mom hatching those eggs a week early