The old swicheroo.

[chickanddoglvr]

I have a broody hen without any roo's so i was thinking about replacing the eggs under her with a couple day old chicks. Is that a good idea? Has anyone tried it and what are the good and bad things about doing this? Will the chicks bet along better with the flock if i do this?

 

[spartacus_63]

I haven't done this yet, but I plan to do it when my new chicks get here in March. I have raised several clutches of chicks. Some I brooded without the hen and some I let the hen do the child rearing. I am sold on letting mother hen do the hard work. I have read it is best to do the switch at night. You should know right away if the hen will adopt them. She will either nurture them or peck them.

Good luck and keep us posted.