Broody Hen Left Her Chick!

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MrsSalo

MrsSalo

In the Brooder
5 Years
Apr 11, 2014
53
2
33
Western Washington State
Hi,

I had a broody hen sitting for the past few weeks. We found the first 2 fluffy butts this morning. Sadly, one was dead. The one survivor she left in the nest for an extended time. Should I bring the little one in to a brooder? It's still a bit cool here and they are in a nest box in the coop.
 
Last edited:
Update: she left the baby so long I brought "it" in to keep warm under the brooder. But, after 5-10 mins age was back on her nest. So, I took the chick back out to her...she let him snuggle in. I hope her leaving him isn't a sign of not being a good mommy. Maybe, I am too helicopter-ish?
 
I have had first time moms do that. What might also work is if you have a brooder and put the chick and mom in the brooder together, and put some sort of wire top so momma can't fly out. That will keep them together and have momma realize she's a mom. And it will help them bond. Or, if you have a dog crate, the same thing. I do that with my first moms or to keep momma and baby away from the other chickens.
 
Ok, do I put food and water in with them? Or let them out to eat? We only have one chick in the moment. Waiting for others to hatch out. Should I move her, all the eggs and the new chick?
 
If it is two days old, then the other eggs are no good. Then I'd move the hen and chick. If you move the chick and mom with the chick that has only hatched a couple of hours or a day ago, I would give it another day, so if the other eggs just need a little more time, then you won't break her broodiness.
 
Ok, I think that chick is just a day old. She is still acting broody but, ran a little further and longer than I liked. So, I used a large wire dog kennel to create a caged in area attached to her nest. I have food and chick starter in there for them. I will see how tomorrow goes. Hopefully we have more hatch out. Thanks for all your help and advice. I only had my first mail order chicks last year. Now, one is becoming a mama!
 

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