Adopted Chicks

[TimG]

What kind of success have you had with placing chicks with a broody hen?

I have a hen who has been broody for at least 4 weeks. I have some day old chicks. I placed three next to her, but she didn't want anything to do with them. I placed one under her from behind and again, she didn't want anything to do with it. Attacked it, actually.

In my only other experience with broody hens, they took immediately to chicks that were placed with them.

Not surprised to get mixed results, but wondering what kind of success rate I might expect and whether there is any trick to getting the broody hen to take to the new chicks.

 

[AZ_HenHouse]

Wait until night and then put them under her. Make sure she is sleeping. The slip them in and when she wakes up she should think that they are from her eggs. If you can observe from a distance to make sure all is well in the morning, it will make you feel better.

 

[TimG]

Thanks. But, how do I know when a chicken is sleeping?

The broody hen in question started with 13 eggs and was sitting on just 1 today. I have no idea where the others went....there were no broken shells under her. She is not inside the coop, so a wild animal could have made off with the eggs.

She's back in her corner sitting even though there are now no eggs under her. When I went in after dark tonight, turned a light on, and approached her, she made a protective noise. I guess he wasn't asleep just yet!

 

[AZ_HenHouse]

Sorry I went to bed early last night.
After dark they are asleep. You don't want to turn the light-just use a flashlight or another soft light (my phone works good for this) just so you can see what you are doing. Then put babies under her-they will snuggle in. After being under her and moving around at night she should be ready to accept them in the morning. Realize though that a broody will wait a day or two to get off the nest after they start hatching so she might not get up right away with them. Have water and food nearby for the babies and they will wonder out to explore when they feel comfortable.
Good luck

 

[leadwolf1]

I am concerned...if the eggs are disappearing and something is eating them...what makes you think that chicks will be safe???? I would move her broody self into the coop or another safe area before introducing chicks. If not, whatever is making off with the eggs is going to make off with the chicks. JMHO.

 

[TimG]

Thanks for your help. I think it's probably too late for me and this broody, but I'll know better for next time around.

I guess the first time was just amazingly easy, as soon as the hen saw chicks she was ready to take care of them.