Questions about broody hen on eggs at different stages

[happyhens]

My broody hen has already hatched 3 chicks from her older eggs. She came off the nest with them, so I took them away and she went right back to the nest. She has been setting tight on the remaining eggs, which should hatch in a couple of days. Will she take her older chicks back after the younger ones hatch? Or am I going to have to brood them myself? I don't have an incubator, or I would put the eggs that haven't hatched yet in it and let her keep the older chicks, then try to give her back the younger ones.

 

[Wildsky]

What will the age difference be?

I bet you could sneak them back under her when the others start to hatch.

 

[happyhens]

2 to 3 days difference. I really hope she can brood them together, it would save me a lot of time and trouble! Plus, mama hens with their chicks are just sooo cute!

 

[Mrs MIA]

I've popped chicks as much as a week older back under a momma hen...

It can be done.