Will a hen accept day old baby chicks?

[Artistanniekay]

I have a sweet little Phoenix hen that is trying her hardest to hatch eggs. Unfortunately, the eggs are not fertile. I was thinking of ordering a few day old babies for her but I don’t know if a hen will accept them if her eggs don’t hatch. Has anyone had experience in a similar situation?

 

[Henry&Friends]

I think if you sneak them under her at night, maybe steal the eggs, she’ll accept them.

 

[NSKDodge]

I think the switch them out with the eggs in the night plan could work! just keep a heat lamp and area you can keep them if it doesn't work! also dont forget you need chick food for them here is a post from another backyard chicken-er on this topic: Chicks under a broody hen.

 

[aart]

I have a sweet little Phoenix hen that is trying her hardest to hatch eggs. Unfortunately, the eggs are not fertile. I was thinking of ordering a few day old babies for her but I don’t know if a hen will accept them if her eggs don’t hatch. Has anyone had experience in a similar situation?

How long has she been broody and sitting tight on the nest?
Best if she's been at it for a couple weeks, and the chicks are as young as possible.

 

[Artistanniekay]

How long has she been broody and sitting tight on the nest?
Best if she's been at it for a couple weeks, and the chicks are as young as possible.

She’s been on over 2 weeks

 

[Artistanniekay]

Awwwww, just went down to the barn. My husband did the chores tonight and didn’t close up the barn door. A possum got to me hens nest and the little hen is nowhere to be found. Hoping she is safe

 

[Artistanniekay]

Wow!!! Good news, after the possum incident, the next morning I went out and my little hen was back on her nest of remaining eggs. I went ahead with my plan and ordered some day old chicks which arrived this morning. I kept the barn dark and quietly placed the babies under her. So far so good. She settled right down over them. I will go out in an hour and see how she’s doing