Putting 4 day old chicks under broody

[themenagerie]

I have a broody hen that has been sitting for about 4 weeks. The first week I did not separate her and all her eggs got broken from the other hens climbing in/out. The second set I gave her eight eggs and put her in her own enclosure. She still managed to break all but one which should have hatched two days ago, but has not. I purchased six chicks at Agway today with the intention of putting them under her tonight. I know it's a gamble as to whether or not she accepts them but do chicks ever not accept the hen? I'm worried since they've been on their own a few days with tons of other chicks they won't know that she's their new mama and won't know to crawl under her to keep warm.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[themenagerie]

Update so far - I put the chicks under "Little Miss Broody" tonight around 10 when I got home from work. She didn't seem to mind them, actually started making little trilling noises. I could not locate the last egg, I think that one probably was broken and eaten as well. I'm hoping all six little peepers will be doing well in the am. I'll feel terrible if they aren't.

 

[lynn1961]

Hopefully she will accept them, I have had broodies that have taken 6 day old chicks, must be mind boggling for a hen to go to sleep with 2 or 3 chicks and wake up with 15 or so, but she took care of them without any problems.

 

[themenagerie]

Success! All babies accepted, she's so happy to be a mama.