Surrogate hen

[Goingsolo 24]

Please advise. If one has a broody hen, and eggs in an Incubator that are due to hatch shortly, could I place said eggs under her and let her incubate the last week, or will it mess with her instinct as it's not been long enough. I have successfully placed day old chicks with surrogate hens who also have young chicks but never tried a shortened "broody" time.

 

[Ridgerunner]

That is exactly what I'd do if she is really broody. My test for a broody hen is that she spends two consecutive nights on the nest instead in her typical roosting spot. Until she does that i don't trust them with eggs.

Chickens cannot count number of eggs, number of chicks, or number of days. The hormones hit them differently. I have had hens broody for just a couple of days want to take over raising chicks. I think the longer they are broody the stronger that instinct is but I'd think a week should be enough. Before the eggs hatch but after internal pip the chicks start peeping. That's the way to tell Mama they are on the way. That starts the bonding between the hen and the chicks.

Even if they have been broody three weeks it doesn't always work out. You don't get guarantees with animals and their behaviors. But I would try it and expect it to work.

 

[chickens really]

Yes...It will be a perfect situation. I've done it..

 

[Goingsolo 24]

The eggs were set under the hens on Thursday. I kept her on rubber eggs for 3 days and she sat happily. They are due to hatch tomorrow and we are out of town which is why moving them out if the incubator and to a broody hen was my best option. That way I didn't need to get anyone to take care of moving Hatcher's to brooder box. So hoping for the best on our return home.