Can we give a new chick to a hen with 2 week old chicks?

jktowey

In the Brooder
Apr 26, 2015
42
1
34
Hi all,

I posted before about whether to tell if an was still viable or not. I checked it today and saw movement!

Now here's our issue: Our hen already has 3 hatched chicks, which are about to be a week old. This chick, based on the candled pics I saw online, has another week or so to go (delayed development I'm guessing, due to a cooling off period since our hen hasn't been on the nest as often). We're going to get a heating lamp to just hatch it ourselves, but are now wondering how best to introduce this chick (if it hatches) to momma hen and her chicks, as the chicks will already be about two weeks old. Is it a good idea to do so? Or should we just try to raise this one until it is old enough to join the rest of the flock?
 
Hi all,

I posted before about whether to tell if an was still viable or not. I checked it today and saw movement!

Now here's our issue: Our hen already has 3 hatched chicks, which are about to be a week old. This chick, based on the candled pics I saw online, has another week or so to go (delayed development I'm guessing, due to a cooling off period since our hen hasn't been on the nest as often). We're going to get a heating lamp to just hatch it ourselves, but are now wondering how best to introduce this chick (if it hatches) to momma hen and her chicks, as the chicks will already be about two weeks old. Is it a good idea to do so? No. The needs of a day old are much different than the two week olds-the hen usually goes with the stronger chicks.Or should we just try to raise this one until it is old enough to join the rest of the flock? I think the chick would have a better chance this way.
 
Okay, thanks. How old should this younger chick be before we try to introduce it to the flock? (We do have 2 other hens as well).
 
Okay, thanks. How old should this younger chick be before we try to introduce it to the flock? (We do have 2 other hens as well).

Not until it can take care of itself; 4-6 weeks. Be watchful of bullying. Maybe have a place where the chick can get in but not the larger ones.
 

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