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Can I give my broody hen a week old chick?

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post #1 of 6

2/24/12 at 2:32pm

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Free Range Chick

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My 8 month old Silver Wyandotte has been in her nest since Feb 16th and since we do not have a rooster I thought to give her two chicks that are 1 to 2 weeks old. I can separate them from the rest of the flock easily. I do push the broody hen out of the nest to eat and drink once a day and then she makes a mad dash for her nest. Anyone out there have luck with this idea?

Since 2008 we have been very happy backyard chicken keepers with 2 Ameraucanas, 3 Buff Orpingtons, 1 Plymoth Rock, 1 Speckled Sussex, 2 Sexlinks, 2 Welsummers, 2 Silver Wyandottes, 1 very large Chow/Retriever mix, 2 chihuahuas and one very sweet cat.

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post #2 of 6

2/25/12 at 8:25am

scratch'n'peck

Location: West Michigan
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I tried introducing chicks that were a few weeks old to a broody hen and she did not accept them, but I think I have read about others who introduced week old chicks with success.

CHICKENS:to name just a few cochin, orpington, OEG also have: mute swans, geese, and cats
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CHICKENS:to name just a few cochin, orpington, OEG also have: mute swans, geese, and cats
SEE MY BYC PAGE for photos

SEE MY CHICKEN PAGE for even more photos

post #3 of 6

2/25/12 at 9:06am

kari_dawn

Location: North Texas
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I did exactly that, and the results were wonderful. I kept waiting for my OEG to break broody and give up, but she wouldn't. She was loosing mad weight, and starting to look pretty rough. She had been on the nest for three months, and I finally gave in and bought some feed store chicks...they were a week or two old when I got them. She accepted them, and was a fierce wonderful mother. She raised them right up till point of lay, and kept right on mothering them as if they were just hatched.

I think it really depends on your broody. Just remember, you may have to be prepared to raise the little ones yourself.

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post #4 of 6

2/25/12 at 1:03pm

Ilovemyduckies

Joined: 2/2012
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It never hurts to try. Just keep a good eye on them.

I've got 2 cats, Dyllen and Star. I have 17 chickens; 3 BLRW, 3 mutts, 2 EEs, 2 White Rock roosters, 1 RIR, 1 White Leghorn, 1 Red Star, 1 Golden Campine, 1 unknown hen, 1 Partridge cochin, and 1 Golden Polish. I also have 1 Swedish/Black Indian Runner laying on 8 eggs.

post #5 of 6

2/25/12 at 3:26pm

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Free Range Chick

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Thanks to everyone who has responded. I appreciate the encouragement. I do love BYC! I am going to give her two 1 week old chicks tomorrow and I will report back. I hope it works because she is waiting ever so patiently for her babies to appear.

post #6 of 6

2/26/12 at 1:47am

kari_dawn

Location: North Texas
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good luck! Many people will tell you to stick them under her at night, but I am more comfortable doing it when I am around to supervise...I hope she's a great mommy!