Broody Hens and adopted chicks

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tiffanyh

tiffanyh

Songster
12 Years
Apr 8, 2007
2,415
4
211
Connecticut
Okay, I have read about slipping chicks under hens when they are brody.

I have a hen (buff) that started setting yesterday and I have chicks coming in 2.5 weeks. Has anyone ever done this that could pass out some advice. I know I should do it at night, but how do I be sure she wont hurt them when she "wakes up" and if she wakes up before I get out there. Arent they going to be "peeping" and wake her up, then couldnt she hurt them? Do I put them out early AM and hang out until the sun rises....what do you all think? Id love some feedback on this.

Thanks!
 
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Ok I just did this 4 weeks ago. I did it at around 10 at night. My DS and I slipped eggs out. Then slipped babies under. They were peeping at the time. She just cocked her head this way and that way listening. My DS said she was saying its about time as she was sitting for around 30 days total. It was so cute. We watched her for a little while and she just fluffed and moved a little as they were settling under her. Then we left them alone. In the morning they we all one happy family.

I bet it will work out fine. As long as she stays broody she will want those babies. Good Luck. Keep us posted and as always we will want pics.
jumpy.gif
 
I usually give my hens some fake eggs to sit on a couple days before I give a hen some chicks. I over do everything, so might not really be needed LOL

Good luck,
Shannon
 
Hi,
I'm new to the forum. We did this with Bertha several years ago. The guy at the feedstore told us to shine a flashlight in her eyes while we put the chick (only one) under her. Next morning she was sooo happy. Had to do it the following year too.
Bertha's Mom
 
If you do this do it while she is broody.
If you want to let her sit and add more chicks under her after they hatch its best to add them the day the others hatch. If you add them lets say on the third day she may not take them because her "memorization" period will have passed. Mother hens record their babies sounds during the first two days, after that the hen may hit any chicks she does not recognize as her own. Either way, hope you end up with babies!
yippiechickie.gif
jumpy.gif
jumpy.gif
 
I have an extremely good momma cochin, and all I do is put babies in with her! She calls them over and they get under her. Silly hen.
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She doesn't care who they belong to.
 
Cross posted in hopes of fast reply: I have a cochin that went broody so I purchased three chicks and incorporated them last night. Everything went well. This morning I check on them and Twigs is still unwilling to leave the nest and also won't allow the chicks to move from underneath her. She pecked one so hard she was distress chirping and fell out of the nesting box. Now I'm concerned that she is rejecting them and will harm them. Should I remove them from her? I'm also concerned about them being denied access to food and water. TIA.

**This issue has been resolved. Thanks.
 
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