ChickensinnorthIdaho
Hatching
- Feb 17, 2023
- 1
- 4
- 9
Last year, I grafted day-old feed store chicks onto a broody Astrolorp (setting for about 21 days). That was her first time raising chicks. She was a great mother until the chicks were about 3 weeks old. Then she lost all interest in them and returned to her bachelorette ways. The chicks ended up just fine- I had a Buff Orpington who was raising another batch of chicks, and she let the orphans tag along with her during the day, and I set up a heat pad for warmth at night. But it was rough on them and I felt bad. So Astrolorp is now broody again, and I’d like to get chicks soon. But I’m hesitant to allow her to be a mother again. Now that she is experienced, do you think she will stay with the chicks until 6 weeks or so? Or is this just her personality/mothering style and I’d better not risk another early weaning? Any thoughts or stories from past experiences would be appreciated!! Thank you!