Success with broody hen and 3 week old chicks?

[Pghelp]

I have a broody hen who has proven to be the best mama hen ever in the past. I have an opportunity to get a couple of chicks of breeds I’ve wanted to add to my flock. The problem is they’re 3 weeks old. Has anyone had success with getting a hen to adopt chicks this old? I don’t want to risk getting the chicks hurt or killed. In the past I’ve only given her day old chicks. Is this too risky?

 

[NatJ]

I would also be concerned about the chicks' reactions. They may be too old to accept her as "mommy."

If it was me, I would either skip the chicks or plan to raise them myself, instead of trying to have the hen adopt them. But I don't see any harm in trying to give them to the hen, if you watch for problems and are ready to raise them yourself if needed.

Here is an article you may find interesting, about raising chicks near the flock and introducing them at a young age:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/

 

[Pghelp]

I would also be concerned about the chicks' reactions. They may be too old to accept her as "mommy."

If it was me, I would either skip the chicks or plan to raise them myself, instead of trying to have the hen adopt them. But I don't see any harm in trying to give them to the hen, if you watch for problems and are ready to raise them yourself if needed.

Here is an article you may find interesting, about raising chicks near the flock and introducing them at a young age:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/

Ah, I hadn’t even thought about the chicks not accepting her! Good point!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I would not try. Some broody hens will try to adopt any chicks at about any age but most don't once the chicks are a few days old. And as NatJ said, after a few days the chicks often will not imprint on the hen. A couple of my broody hens have weaned their chicks by three weeks. I think you will be extremely disappointed if you try.