Tips for sneaking chicks under broody hen

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carress

carress

Songster
12 Years
Mar 26, 2008
242
3
146
Orange county NY
I'm goign to try this Friday if my hen is still broody. I've never done it before, so if there are any tips or tricks, I'd appreciate them.

I've read up and it seems like I just creep in and stick the babies under the hen in the middle of the night.

I'm not sure if I should separate the hen (plus chicks) from everyone else or not, but I will if I don't hear otherwise. I have a dog crate that I can stick inside the coop. Also, the birds have a 2+ foot drop from the coop to the ground - would the chicks try to make the jump?

Thoughts?
 
Hi, do it at night - dark as you can - late so she will be asleep - chicks must be as young as possible - you can put a black pillowcase or fabric over opening so she cannot see out...then slowly put chicks under her or in with her they will go under for warmth...this has worked for me... anything you wish to do with your chickens, move, transfer, etc best - easiest done at night....you can move a rooster with ease this way also....hope this helps. wear gloves she may peck at you (doesn't hurt)
 
I walked in in the middle of the day and plopped the chick in the nest next to her. Mom made soft clucking noises and chick scurried underneath her. :) Everything depends on your broody.
 
we snuck in at 1 AM Fri day morning pulled out the unfertilized proxy egg and dropped in the 5 chicks we picked up earlier in the day. We made sure that the chicks had eaten and knew how to drink before the mission. the next morning we let the three other hen out to the yard to give step mom and chicks more room. then we moved the broodie and babes to the floor. here's a video from this evening. although you can't see all the chicks all 5 have made it so far. as soon as i figure it out i'll post. I have a thread about this too search my user name.
 

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