Possible breeding program

[DarJones]

For future use, a broody hen won't accept chicks from an incubator until she has clucked to them overnight. Just after dark, put the chicks in a box beside the hen where she can hear them. She will usually accept them the next day.

 

[LaurenRitz]

That hasn't been my experience. In this case, the first two chicks she accepted were dumped behind her while I kept her attention with the other hand. She heard them, started burbling, and from that moment they were a happy little family. That was during the day.

The following night I introduced the other two and she took to them just as readily. I expected this--I've given her chicks before and she has never rejected one.

I was more concerned about the chicks not bonding, but it worked like a charm.