I have always had it work like a charm. It does depend on a couple of things. You need to have fresh chicks, less than 3 days old. For this to be a success, they need to be part of the relationship. A lot of people think it is all about the broody hen, but a huge part is the chicks.
When you get you chicks, get them a drink of water. They don't need anything to eat, they are still on the yolk. The next part sounds a bit mean, but it works. Wait til nearly dark. Take your chicks out, and let them be exposed to the night air. I just sit with them outside of the the coop where my broody hen is. I wear a thick sweat shirt and gloves. The chicks will be peeping wildly because they are getting cold. You want them to be cold.
I do not mess with the fake eggs under her at this time. If I think there are eggs that should have hatched, I will remove them in the daylight when I can see what I am doing.
I just go into the coop, with a minimal light, pointed towards the ground, then I take a chick in hand, and stick it under her, she will peck me often times. I work quickly, and get them all under her.
Now it should get quiet. Those chicks are tired, and have finally found a good warm place. They will burrow into that space like a tick and go to sleep. The hens voice will change, and she makes a difference noise, but the chicks are silent.
Then leave. Mine usually have them out of the nest and onto the floor within 12 hours. Others have reported longer, but mine always leave the hatching nest.
Then it is easy. That's it. She introduces them to the flock, and they stick to her pretty well.
Mrs K
