Slipping babies under broody?

[Beckid974]

I have 11 eggs in the incubator scheduled to hatch on Sunday, and two hens have decided to go broody in the last week. I am thinking about slipping the babies under them once they are hatched. I've had hens hatch before but never tried to give them basis that aren't actually theirs. So two what may seem like silly questions: 1) Have they been broody long enough to believe they hatched these babies? 2) Are they smart enough to know that there are more babies under them than the number of eggs I plan on leaving to keep them broody? Thanks!!!!

 

[Chloes chicks]

I do

I have 11 eggs in the incubator scheduled to hatch on Sunday, and two hens have decided to go broody in the last week. I am thinking about slipping the babies under them once they are hatched. I've had hens hatch before but never tried to give them basis that aren't actually theirs. So two what may seem like silly questions: 1) Have they been broody long enough to believe they hatched these babies? 2) Are they smart enough to know that there are more babies under them than the number of eggs I plan on leaving to keep them broody? Thanks!!!!

I doubt they will know maybe replace an egg that’s about to hatch so they hatch quickly I don’t think they will figure it out

 

[21hens-incharge]

Once a hen has babies you don't want her staying on the nest for 2+ more weeks. She needs to show the kids the ropes.

I would brooder raise your incubator eggs. I don't think sitting a week is long enough.