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Will mom let me mix incubated chicks with her natural chicks.

post #1 of 6
9/24/12 at 2:06pm
Thread Starter 
I've got two broody hens. We let one keep her batch and kept taking the others away. She hatched 2 and left her nest. Then we let the other hen sit on the leftovers and she hatched out 2 more, but they met their fate before we could get to them. I am currently watching two more hatch under a light at the house. Question is, once they hatch can I put them with the mama that is taking care of the first two? Or do I have to be the mom for the long haul?
Thanks!
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post #2 of 6
9/24/12 at 2:34pm

I have done that before, it usually is best to try during the first 3 days or less for a successfull bonding....but do stand by to be sure there were no problems!
 

Remember God's sunshine in your heart. GA farm sell vegetables,goats, bunnies,hatching eggs/babies: turkeys, chinese geese, ducks,guineas,lavender ameraucanas,lavender orpingtons;bbs,white, buff & partridge silkies,Black Copper Marans,BBS Marans,Welsummers,wheaten marans,bbs orpingtons, delawares,etc http://thegarryfarm.yolasite.com  See our BYC listings:  http://www.backyardchickens.com/clas...

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Remember God's sunshine in your heart. GA farm sell vegetables,goats, bunnies,hatching eggs/babies: turkeys, chinese geese, ducks,guineas,lavender ameraucanas,lavender orpingtons;bbs,white, buff & partridge silkies,Black Copper Marans,BBS Marans,Welsummers,wheaten marans,bbs orpingtons, delawares,etc http://thegarryfarm.yolasite.com  See our BYC listings:  http://www.backyardchickens.com/clas...

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post #3 of 6
9/24/12 at 2:36pm
That's cheating! Of course you can. It goes best if done the first few days of hatching. Slip the chicks under the hen at night - from behind, don't show them to her. Most hens with strong broody instincts will take them. I do the sleight of hand, distract the hen with one hand and slip the chick with the other...gloves on the distracting hand helps too. :-)
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post #4 of 6
9/24/12 at 4:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks much! Seems I will have a little adventure tonight smile.png
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post #5 of 6
9/27/12 at 3:43pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks everyone! Mama took in 3 extras two nights ago and has had no problem. Last night I was taking the remaining 5 eggs out with the garbage and noticed a pip hole in the third one. This morning I have another baby! I guess I will be waiting another couple days to give up on the last 4 smile.png
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post #6 of 6
9/28/12 at 8:13am
Better brush up on those candling/float test techniques! :-) good catch!
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