Broody Hen - Add chicks?

fmaddux · Apr 26, 2016

I have a broody hen who seems to be getting depressed because I keep taking her eggs (no rooster), and I'm wondering if I should get a couple of chicks for her to raise. :/ I'm so new to this, and I'd love your advice.

What do you guys think? What is the best way for me to do this if it is a good idea?

Thanks!

Faun

Pyxis · Apr 26, 2016

You can definitely get her chicks. You need to get them as close to day olds as possible. This time of year feed stores are carrying chicks so you could go there on the day they get their shipment in and get some. Then put them under your broody at night, switching them out for her eggs. Make sure you put feed and water where they can get them because she might not get off the nest for a few days as she would if she had hatched them, but they will need food and water.

She might not accept them though, so just be prepared and have a brooder ready in case you need to raise them yourself.

smcdermott · Apr 27, 2016

I haven't had good experiences with adding live chicks. They just peck at the and for. BUT have added fertile eggs to 5 broodys and they have all done great.

fmaddux · Apr 27, 2016

Thanks for this info! That helps a lot!

Broody Hen - Add chicks?

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fmaddux

Hatching

Pyxis

Hatchi Wan Kenobi

smcdermott

Chirping

fmaddux

Hatching

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