I would like to try to get one or two of my hens to go broody in Sept, when I can get baby chicks from the Co-op. Has anyone substituted the eggs, from underneath a brooding hen, for live purchased chicks with success?

I know the timing is tricky. I'll need a hen to be already sitting on eggs for maybe a few days before the chicks come in.

Can I move her entire nest to a different location at night, then, after a couple of days, go in at night, remove the eggs and put in some baby chicks? Will she know the difference or will she think these are her chicks?

Has anyone had red sex links that were broody or has that trait been bred out of them? Maybe Ill get a couple of silkies just for that purpose. Do silkies lay large brown eggs?