Adding to mama hen with 2 week old chicks

[Shamiira]

We lost 2 chicks (1 last night and 1 this morning), which brings us down to 4 chicks. They were hatched by a broody hen and she is amazing at raising baby chicks. I’m concerned with the 4 left that we could end up with only 1 hen since we aren’t allowed roosters. They are about 2 weeks old now. Would you just leave it at the 4 or would you try to get 2 more about the same age and add them in once they all go to bed?

 

[nuthatched]

She's soon to wean her existing chicks, just wait.

 

[Shamiira]

She's soon to wean her existing chicks, just wait.

Even if she took care of her chicks until 3.5-4 months old last year? She seems to consider them hers to care for for awhile. But I do understand if I should just wait. I really appreciate the input.

 

[nuthatched]

Even if she took care of her chicks until 3.5-4 months old last year? She seems to consider them hers to care for for awhile. But I do understand if I should just wait. I really appreciate the input.

It's very, very unusual for a hen to mother chicks that long, most are done by 4-6 weeks

 

[Shamiira]

It's very, very unusual for a hen to mother chicks that long, most are done by 4-6 weeks

That’s what everyone says! Haha! But she was still defending her chicks when they were 4 months old and they were still hanging out as their own little family group. (She raised them with the rest of our small flock)

 

[Slothinc]

My broodies always tend to keep their chicks until at least 6 weeks, if not longer. I would like to know though, if chicks can be added later. I may be trying this with a broody that I have right now, who has two chicks that she is caring for.