Adding strange chicks to broody?

[chickens really]

The issue with that theory is Chicks not raised within 24 hours of Hatching under a real Momma will not imprint to her as Momma..I honestly don't think it's worth trying.

 

[sourland]

Monitor closely because I agree with @chickens really, and @rebrascora. By now the hen has bonded with and knows her chicks any others will be regarded as interlopers and will probably be abused. Breed and individual temperament does play a part so you may have better luck than I ever have had.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with CR, Rebra, Chucka, and Sour. The chances of the new chicks bonding to the broody, and the broody accepting the new chicks are extremely limited. It would be more of an exception than a rule for that to succeed. Can I ask why you are even considering it? IMO, when making animal management decisions, the decision needs to be made according to what is best for the animals involved instead of what falls in line with the wishes of the owner.

Even considering your plan to keep the new chicks inside for a few days before introducing them to the broody: THAT will be more likely to make the attempted foster fail b/c the chicks will be even further past the imprint age. And given the age difference, the new babies will not be able to keep up with Mama and the older chicks. They will be left out in the cold.

 

[chickens really]

Agreed with CR, Rebra, Chucka, and Sour. The chances of the new chicks bonding to the broody, and the broody accepting the new chicks are extremely limited. It would be more of an exception than a rule for that to succeed. Can I ask why you are even considering it? IMO, when making animal management decisions, the decision needs to be made according to what is best for the animals involved instead of what falls in line with the wishes of the owner.

Even considering your plan to keep the new chicks inside for a few days before introducing them to the broody: THAT will be more likely to make the attempted foster fail b/c the chicks will be even further past the imprint age. And given the age difference, the new babies will not be able to keep up with Mama and the older chicks. They will be left out in the cold.

..

 

[Amer]

I have done so myself. Read My Coop on my profile. She accepted it right away, but the chick didn't warm up to her, she had a different mama. Now sometimes I forget Zealand didn't hatch her! Just monitor closely, Blue sounds like a great mama.

 

[chuckachucka]

I agree it varies according to breed of mother hen and also individual chicken personalities, but generally around one week age difference is the limit. It's worth a try in my opinion, but the chances of success are quite low.

 

[chickenmeadow]

Sound advice from all of above members, thanks a lot! I was feeling a large gap in what I wanted to happen & what was best with this 1st time broody situation & adding new ones. It has always been so easy to just incubate & brood; so am enjoying the natural broody raising & had to think out the new ones position.

Well, after watching my broody (Ameraucana), it's clear that she is heck bent on keeping all 4 safe & may not be keen on 3 new/little/slower intruders. So, new plan is put the new 3 chicks (next wk) in the brooder & wait till they're stronger & can keep up with the broody chicks that are around 2 wks old now; will also wait till the broody hen seems ready to leave them on their own. She's already trying to teach them to fly & get up to the sand trays to get outside, a good sign that she may soon enough want to get outside & be more independent also.

Here's the mama & 4 chicks getting out of the sectioned off area in the coop for a stretch, under my watchful eye for the encious/viscous Australorp hens. Also here's my set up in the walk in coop for the sand trays (scoopable daily cleaning), window, roosts, outside chicken door with burlap to keep wind down, nest boxes w/roll away egg option on bottom roll, movable hanging feeders under trays, sectioned off broody/chick area under left side tray with red light on & sand/straw floors. It's the best set up ever for me in this newer coop, after 2 prior coops. Will update with the new chicks, etc. Best wishes to all.

 

[chickenmeadow]

Agreed with CR, Rebra, Chucka, and Sour. The chances of the new chicks bonding to the broody, and the broody accepting the new chicks are extremely limited. It would be more of an exception than a rule for that to succeed. Can I ask why you are even considering it? IMO, when making animal management decisions, the decision needs to be made according to what is best for the animals involved instead of what falls in line with the wishes of the owner.

Even considering your plan to keep the new chicks inside for a few days before introducing them to the broody: THAT will be more likely to make the attempted foster fail b/c the chicks will be even further past the imprint age. And given the age difference, the new babies will not be able to keep up with Mama and the older chicks. They will be left out in the cold.

Thanks for your concern & guidance. We are thinking on the same level now. Please read my comment made at 5:48 today, I had already come to my senses & happy to leave the "natural broody" chick group alone, they are doing so well. Also, the new store bought chicks can easily be put in my brooder & introduced later when it's right for them. The two different groups won't be compatible in growth stages. Best wishes.

 

[chickenmeadow]

The end of this saga is that the broody chicks started hatching 1/28/18 & the SS chicks brought home today were at least 2 wks younger. When comparing the 2 groups, it is obvious that they have "different agendas" & the older chicks would have been too aggressive & hurt them, leaving them behind. So the new pullets are safe & cozy in my brooder, to be mixed with the broody chicks later when they are more up to speed & the hen has moved on to laying eggs again with the flock. Thank you all for your insightful comments. Best wishes.

 

[rebrascora]

Good to hear that both groups are doing well in their respective environments.