Adoption options

[Ashllen]

I had an escapee hen that I thought was snatched up by wildlife....until she popped up 2 weeks later broody. I've tried following her when I see her (I also have left out food and water during the day) but I've only managed to spot her twice and each time she ran off into the woods before I could do anything. Now it's been 20 days since she ran off and I'm expecting her with babies in tow anyday now. So any advice on ways to find un sexed chicks homes besides obvious things like Facebook marketplace or craiglist, would be awesome. Also once they are hatched, will she willingly come back to the flock? I've hatched a couple eggs before but that was a very controlled situation.

 

[FrostRanger]

You can try the buy sell trade section, I assume you have a rooster? In any case she should be back eventually when she's done

 

[Mrs. K]

When I have had this happen they just bring them to the coop / run and settle in like they have always been there.

Instead of rehoming all of the chicks (if we are not counting our chicks before they hatch?) you might consider selling a few of your older girls and keeping a equal number of pullets. This will give you a multi -generational flock, so your birds don’t get all old at the same time.

I have a forever flock, but I find it healthier if they are not all the same age. Laying hens can be easier to sell.

Contact 4-h groups for other poultry people, post at the feed store, or often the county extension people are aware of poultry clubs.