Hen behavior toward adopted chicks

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lcsosa

lcsosa

Hatching
Jul 29, 2015
2
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Recently one of our hens started being broody. We got four chicks and stuck them under her while she was sleeping last night. Everything seemed fine at first; she kept them under her all night long (I presume) and when I went to check on them this morning, the chicks were still under her wing. However, now things seem weird. The chicks are huddled in a corner while the hen lays in the nesting box or does her own thing outside. When the chicks start to venture out of the corner, the hen pecks at them and corrals them back into the corner. She also is eating their food. Is there any hope for her to accept the chicks? Should we try to put them under her again tonight and try again? Has anyone had any success getting their hen to accept chicks that she initially rejected? Thanks.
 
Welcome to BYC. How long was the hen setting prior to your attempt to foster the chicks. The longer the brooding period the greater the chance of success in fostering has been my experience. If she is not hurting the chicks, I would try putting them all back under her when she is setting on her nest site.
 
sourland said:
Welcome to BYC. How long was the hen setting prior to your attempt to foster the chicks. The longer the brooding period the greater the chance of success in fostering has been my experience. If she is not hurting the chicks, I would try putting them all back under her when she is setting on her nest site.
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Thanks for your advice. She had been brooding for over two weeks when we introduced the chicks. We are going to separate her from our other hen tonight and try tucking the chicks under her again. Hoping that the solitude will make her feel calmer and more likely to accept them. Fingers crossed!
 

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