Introducing chicks to broody hens?

[lgstettler]

I've been searching the forum for answers to this but havent found any. Sorry if this has been discussed.

I have three hens, my first flock, three years old. Eggs are less frequent now so I want to get new chicks this spring. Has anyone let a hen go broody, then snuck the chicks under her one night? It seems easier than trying to introduce them as pullets. Any experience with this?

 

[Nemo]

I haven't done it, but I've seen it discussed here before.

You're missing one step... Let your broody hen sit on a few eggs a few days before the chicks arrive. The eggs can even be fake. Then, under the cover of night, slip out the eggs and slip in the chicks.

Good luck.

 

[Lollipop]

Yup, don`t order your chicks until she is broody. After 3 weks or so she will accept them if it`s done at night. They do rejct them sometimes. It`s a personal thing for the hen. Good luck.