7 week old chick setting with broody mama hen

[kuntrygirl]

I have a broody hen that has been setting on eggs for 3 days now. The problem is that her 7 week old chick ran around calling for her for those 3 days until she found her today. The mama hen never gave the 7 week old chick "the boot". Mama decided that she wanted to go broody and that is what she did. Well, the problem is, the 7 week old chick is now in the nesting box with the mama hen and has been there all day long. The mama hen seems to enjoy her being there. Mama has not fussed or made any noise. They are both setting on the eggs. I don't know if I should run the 7 week old chick out of the nesting box and upsetting the mama hen and then she decide to leave the eggs or should I just let the 7 week old chick set with her mama. They both have unlimited access to feed and water. This is the first time this has happened to me and I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

[Mahonri]

Well I'll be.

Never heard of that either. Maybe she's training her girl for the future.

Leave them be and let us know how it goes!

I'd think that the 7 week old would be taking more breaks and getting needed food or it will end up looking like a bantam!

 

[kuntrygirl]

I just checked on them and the 7 week old chick is setting right on the side of her mama. They seem so peaceful and happy. I was surprised that she didn't get up and take a break eitiher. Maybe because her food and water is right there. I will try to take a pic (if the mama will let me) and post it. I can't make any promises. They look so cute! I wonder if anyone else has seen this type of behavior before.

 

[Omran]

Yes please please Picture, it will be the photo of the year

 

[shelleyd2008]

I have 2 silkies that always brood, hatch, and raise chicks together, usually with little luck. Either they don't hatch any eggs, or the few that do hatch die. Anyway, they now have 2 chicks that are about 3 months old?? Something like that. They also have 6 2-week olds. The 2 older chicks sat with them all the time that the mamas were brooding, only leaving for a little while a few times a day to scratch around, but coming right back. So now the 2 silkie mamas, their 2 3-month old babies, and their 6 2-week old babies are one big happy family!! I would say just leave them alone, if mama doesn't care, the baby won't either. My dad says that these 2 chicks (who are both pullets btw) will turn out to be great mamas from their 'training'

 

[Laurieks]

I have hens sitting on eggs with different start dates.

The newer eggs and the 2 UPBH's (Union of Plump Black Hens) are in a box next to Mrs Blue on the older eggs, all in a big wood apple bin they preferred over their coop so much that I put a fence panel across it as a 'door'

I just hope that they don't all get up and leave the nest with the first chicks that hatch.

Ideas?

 

[19hhbelgian]

Here's my opinion... First thing you need to do is get a PICTURE & post it!!

This sounds way to cute to not share a pic

 

[DarkUnicorn]

I had a broody do the same time this year..... The 2 7-8 wk olds from the first hatch sat with her for 21 days, she didn't chase them off........ They are just as protective of the "baby" as Momma is

It is so funny to watch!

Now the other broody that decided to sit a second time did chase her two babies off and won't let them near.... Must be something is the air this year.

 

[shelleyd2008]

My 2 silkies have left their chicks, so the 2 older chicks (both pullets by the way) have taken over 'mom' duties for the little ones

Now THAT is cute!

ETA: I guess since the older chicks 'sat' on the eggs too, they figure they are mom to the babies as well? Silly birds!

 

[wjallen05]

how sweet!!! I wouldn't disturb them. Sounds like they are both happy. Please get a picture, I would love to see that!