Will this work?

[Struttn1]

I have a broody Bourbon hen who lost a whole clutch of eggs. She moved to another nest that had 4 turkey and 9 guinea eggs in it around a week ago.

I had 6 poults to hatch last night which are still in the incubator and 7 eggs that I expect to start pipping this evening or in the morning. If I do a switcharoo tonight and slip the eggs that are about to hatch and the 6 just hatched poults under her and move the eggs she is sitting to the incubator will she accept the poults and hatch the rest of the eggs?

I have never pulled this switch on a turkey before and was just wondering if it will work and just let her raise these 13? Also should I slip the poults under at the same time I do the eggs or wait until the eggs are hatching?

 

[DukeDawg528]

I would say it will work but just watch her and see...

 

[Struttn1]

Well I pulled the switch and my son said he just saw her raise up off the nest and he could see at least 4 poults and she is still sitting so hopefully all seven will hatch and she can leave the nest. I am still debating on whether to take the other 6 out of the brooder and slip them under her tonight.

My mutilated hand that she thoroughly abused is not looking forward to facing her wrath again. My right hand looks like a wildcat got hold of it. She sure does get a vicious temper when she is broody.