Will hens accept the chicks if they don't hatch them?

[Funsizeracing]

Will hens raise baby chicks if they don't hatch them? I'm wanting to add a new baby or two to my flock. Wondering if my Easter Egger hens will accept them as young chicks and raise them even if they don't hatch them. Thanks!

 

[ScissorChick]

She may or may not accept them. Every hen is different.

 

[ARose4Heaven]

The younger the better...within about 3 days at most. And the hen must be broody. Usually works, but not always.

 

[paddock36]

Is your hen broody? If not, then definitely not, she will not accept them. If she is broody then you can slip them under her and usually they will accept them but not always, but you can not just give chicks to a hen that is not broody because she will kill them. Hope that answers your question.