All hens are different, but the vast majority of hens -- including first time broodies -- will accept baby chicks. Some will take them eagerly, even in broad daylight. Others you have to be very sneaky about it.
The safest route is to wait until the hen been broody at 10 to 14 days, and then slip the chicks under her at night. Only once, did that not work, but that hen was real pill and a problem in other ways.
And yes, many times the hen will peck at your hand. She is trying to defend her nest after all. I try to take advantage of that, actually. I distract the hen by letting her peck one hand while I quickly slip the chicks under her from behind with the other hand. You can wear a glove if you like.
I've found that first time broody hens can be excellent mothers. It seems if they are born with the good mother gene, they have if from their very first brood.
Good luck!
The safest route is to wait until the hen been broody at 10 to 14 days, and then slip the chicks under her at night. Only once, did that not work, but that hen was real pill and a problem in other ways.
And yes, many times the hen will peck at your hand. She is trying to defend her nest after all. I try to take advantage of that, actually. I distract the hen by letting her peck one hand while I quickly slip the chicks under her from behind with the other hand. You can wear a glove if you like.
I've found that first time broody hens can be excellent mothers. It seems if they are born with the good mother gene, they have if from their very first brood.
Good luck!