how doi get hens to hatch chicks

[pikilily]

I dont know how to encourage the Hens to sit! and go broody in the safety of the hen house. (One hen got out of the field and did return with three chicks. I do have a muscovy duck who is sitting on 4 hen's eggs - may end up with an identitiy crisis when the chicks hatch)

Has anyone got tips. Sometimes a hen will appear to want to sit but after a few hours or days she wanders off.
what tricks are out there?

Any ideas?

[glenniedragon]

Give her something to sit on, pottery eggs or even golf balls work. only put eggs in when she has been sitting tightly for a few days, depends on the breed to of course, some are naturally broody others don't show an inclination to sit (exceptions to every rule though)

kind thoughts

Deb