Should I help baby chick hatch?

[SchruteFarms]

I have a hen right now sitting on fake eggs. She has gotten so broody she attacks me when she comes out and runs back to sit on the eggs. Do you think I can get away with putting these 5 day old babies under her??

 

[WVduckchick]

I have a hen right now sitting on fake eggs. She has gotten so broody she attacks me when she comes out and runs back to sit on the eggs. Do you think I can get away with putting these 5 day old babies under her??

It really depends on the hen, but I would say chances are less than 50/50. Most folks will say definitely not, but I have had hens accept older chicks. Day-olds are usually more easily accepted by most hens. How long has she been broody? And how willing are you to risk them if she rejects or kills one/some? If you are willing to risk it, you could give it a try. Slip one under her rear end, and see what she does. Just be ready to grab it quickly!

 

[SchruteFarms]

It really depends on the hen, but I would say chances are less than 50/50. Most folks will say definitely not, but I have had hens accept older chicks. Day-olds are usually more easily accepted by most hens. How long has she been broody? And how willing are you to risk them if she rejects or kills one/some? If you are willing to risk it, you could give it a try. Slip one under her rear end, and see what she does. Just be ready to grab it quickly!

Good point. Maybe I should get a couple chicks from somewhere local to give her. I really don’t want to chance it with the BCMs and the BBS orps from this hatch.. the eggs were too expensive and shipped so I didn’t get the best hatch rate.