Is it possible to 'reuse' a broody?

[chickenlady]

I had a broody modern hatch out a few eggs. I also gave her a lone hatchling when the others were about 2 weeks old. She has been raising these four for about 3 weeks now being a very good mommy. My question is, if I take away the original group, will she be the surrogate mother for 5 more modern babies that hatched two days ago?

 

[jimnjay]

She may take them but be prepared to have a brooder handy. Brooding and hatching chicks take a lot out of your birds. She will need to take some time to get herself back in shape soon. If it was my bird I would not try that. Let her take a break so she can eat and recover from setting and caring for the chicks. If you watch you will see she get them the food first.

 

[silkiechicken]

Since she's been in "mommy" stage for 3 weeks, her auto program for "how to raise chicks" is three weeks in and she might not cater to day olds who need more sit and keep warm time than she's giving to her current 3 week old chicks. But never know, might be possible. Looks like you'd be brooding one set of chicks anyways so I'd not risk it.

 

[DTchickens]

just give her the chicks with her chicks. but watch her. at first she will mostly peck them. but soon after if the chicks start following her and she doesn't care. all set.

 

[Marlinchaser]

I would guess no, you can sometimes get away with putting another in with hers, but she will notice the difference, and try to protect hers from the NEW INTRUDERS, even though her original ones are no longer there.