Add older chicks to mother hen with younger chicks?????

[idahoan]

I have 3 9 day old chicks that were hatched in a brooder and a hen that hatched 2 chicks 3 days ago. Can I put the older chicks in with the hen and her 2 chicks without problems????

 

[Judy]

Possibly, but she may attack the older ones. Monitor closely if you try it.

 

[idahoan]

I was going to put them in at night, so that she will think they are hers. And I will moniter closely.

 

[California Ducken]

Been there done that and had mixed results. My broody hen attacked the other chicks, and my non broody accepted them. Yes I had 2 with chicks at the same time. Then week 3 they both started attacking their own chicks! I had to pull them all. They were done being mothers.
At first you don't notice the head pecking, because she seems friendly and finds them food and such. But then, starts to attack and try to kill them several hours later.
I just don't want to see you on here in the emergency section with a heartbreaking post. She might even kick them out at night when the temp. drops. And you won't find them until they are cold and mostly dead. Like I did mine. I had to warm them up quickly and hydrate them and get them back up to speed.( that took 2 days of persistence hourly around the clock) I sure am glad my chicks have 9 lives!!!!
Good Luck!

 

[idahoan]

Thanks! I will chicken out and not go through with putting them together. My hen is enjoying her first time at mother hood so better to let her alone.

 

[California Ducken]

How have things been going? Any updates?