new chick switch

[LovemyChicksus2]

I'm looking at adding about 6 new chicks to my flock of 9 hens but am wondering in I get one of the hens to start brooding some eggs, could I switch out the eggs on a dark and lonely night with the chicks? It would be easier than having to keep them all separate for 12-16 weeks. My neighbor says she has done this before and the "mama" hen adopts the new little biddies as her own and protects them from the other hens. Any input would be appreciated to using this method. Thanks

 

[azygous]

Sure, people do it all the time. I'm sure your neighbor would be willing to cover the fine points with you.