Surrogate hen

[Jack Cluck]

I have a broody hen that has been committed to her nest for 18 days. Only two are viable and one I’m not sure of. It’s either an early quit or she stole an egg that has not been fertilized as long. I bought some chicks yesterday that I was planning on putting under her tonight. Any tips? If she accepts them and leaves the nest I will try to incubate the two eggs.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You need to try to get them under her tonight as the longer you wait the less likely they are to bond. The hen needs to imprint on the chicks and the chicks need to imprint on her so don't put it off too long.

Be down there at daybreak to see how it is going.

If the others hatch after she leaves the nest slip them under her the first night after they dry off. Again, check at daybreak to see how it is going.

Good luck.