I too got a lot out of this thread! Thank you! Have had a broody buff orpington for a couple of weeks and decided to try to let her foster a pair of day old chicks. Had read elsewhere to try during the day, which didn't go well--broody got a bit riled up and aggressive-- and I nearly lost my nerve. Tried again once more late last night and only heard silence with one set of peeping and a soft response when I checked after a half hour. Up to check again at first light, and so far so good this morning! Buff orpington is calmly sitting there, the babies emerged, and she gently tucked them under her again. She's not super vocal with them but seems calm and attentive, so hopefully we're good to go. Fingers crossed!
Well, no. A couple of hours later I realized the door into the run/coop had blown shut. Whoops. She hopped back in the nest box again when she could, broody-seeming once more, and so it seemed worth another shot. The 2 chicks are now tumbling out and back into the nest, hopping up the hen's back, and snuggling under her when they're done exploring. She seems very peaceful and tolerant through it all. Very sweet.
