- Jul 18, 2018
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I will have several chicks hatch this week in my classroom. Originally I thought they'd be brooder chicks, but I much prefer hens raising their own. Several days ago four of our hens went broody, and I have been letting them set on fake eggs. All four have been historically broody, but I haven't let them hatch yet. My question - is it too risky to try giving 3ish day old chicks to one (at night, in our separate "maternity coop") to see if they accept each other? I know 1.5 weeks isn't ideal, but I have heard of it working. We would choose the best hen...one is SUPER mean when broody, so she probably wouldn't be the best. One is broody every year, but is 6 years old. Too old? The other two are 2 years old and sweet as can be. Thoughts?