Putting soon to hatch eggs under broody?

[AshVau22]

How long was she setting and broody before you gave her the eggs?

 

[AshVau22]

If I think I have a broody I give them golf balls or fake eggs for at least a week till I know for sure they are committed before I put anything under them I want to hatch.

 

[BDutch]

She did accept them. Unfortunately she just was not good at caring for them. Lost most of them in the first couple days

If you ever plan to do such a trick another time it’s best to:
- Let a broody sit for at least a week.
- Give no more eggs than she can easily keep warm.
- Spring is a better time to hatch in most climates.
- I would give max 4 - 6 eggs in winter.
- Replace the eggs in the night.
- Don’t add many more than the fake eggs she had.

And read about broodies who raise chicks in confinement + winter.

 

[Shikanah]

It was at least a couple weeks of her being broody. She hatched them just fine, it was the actual caring for them that she couldn't manage

 

[BDutch]

It was at least a couple weeks of her being broody. She hatched them just fine, it was the actual caring for them that she couldn't manage

Try to imagine how difficult it is for a broody in freezing cold to hatch and care for a bunch of chicks.
Best wait until spring or make room in your house with lots of real daylight.

 

[Shikanah]

Try to imagine how difficult it is for a broody in freezing cold to hatch and care for a bunch of chicks.
Best wait until spring or make room in your house with lots of real daylight.

I live in coastal Georgia. Our weather at the time they hatched was no where near freezing.