Is it mean to take a broody's hatched babies and put eggs under her?

[kristenm1975]

I know this is an entirely subjective question, but maybe the better thing to ask is whether it is unhealthy for a hen to go from one broody cycle to the next. She's a young Silkie and is doing a fabulous job. She gets off the nest every other day or so and is doing well health-wise, eating, drinking and everything. What's the consensus?

 

[crazy huhn]

I do not think it is a good idea. My hen has lost a ton of weight while being broody and hatching out her babies.

 

[Jennyhaschicks]

I personally wouldn't do that. My poor girls lose so much weight and I think it's hard enough for them to sit there for 21 days. Then to have to do it all over again is even harder. Plus, the girls understand it's their babies.