a few questions--putting chicks under a broody tonight

[consdrs]

Well??

howed it go....


Is howed a word...?

 

[ky chicks]

Well, I went out early, and I think she had forgotten getting them last night. They started peeping in all the commotion of everybody running outside, and broody puffed up, looked confused, made some noise, and pecked at them a little. Then she settled in happily. My boys and I went out again later to check on them, and all is well. She even let the boys give her and the chicks a little pat, but I'm trying not to bother them too much. They're so cute, and I'm so excited!

Here's another question. Yesterday I left a message for the people who were going to take the other 3 chicks, but I haven't heard from them yet. If I end up keeping them myself, would it be too late to add them to the nest box tonight or tomorrow night? I wanted to get the first two in there as soon as possible after hatch, but maybe I should have waited to see if I would have to keep all 5.

 

[SpringChickens]

If you do it at night, you should be able to add a few more chicks. She'll just think they were late hatchers

Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

[consdrs]

Congratulations! successful graft! I would put the other chicks under her as well. OMG so much easier to take care of. or actually "not" take care of....

 

[ky chicks]

Well, I'll be adding the other 3 tonight. I never heard from the family that was going to take them, and 2 chicks are apparently not enough for my hen. She moved herself and the 2 that I gave her into another box that the other girls were laying in today. They managed to get out of the box to walk around, but she watched them while she stayed on those eggs. Since they are still alive and well, I'm assuming she's taking care of them, but waiting for more. They are under her now, and I'll get the others out there in a little while. So much for not needing any more chicks! They sure are cute!

 

[consdrs]

I would make sure she has NO eggs. stealing others eggs... she needs to know this is all there is. make sure the chicks have chick food and water close by. One of my broody's that has grafted chicks laid her first egg in a longgggg time yesterday! she has been broody for ever!

 

[ky chicks]

I have given all 5 chicks to my broody, and she's pretty happy! She was actually out of the box eating and drinking with them today, but I caught her sitting on some eggs later, so I've been trying to get all eggs out of there often today (good advice, consdrs!). It's really gone great! None of the other hens are bothering the chicks, and they are just so darn cute!

 

[gamechickens]

what a great hen! i thought she would kill thme most hens do. you got yourself a good mama