Am I doing the right thing

[Patricia Jane]

I plan on picking up 4 baby chicks at the end of the month and placing them under my broody hen to see if she will raise them as hers. Wondering if this is taking a chance on health issues.I have 3 other hens, no roosters. I've been told to go for it but the more I read about it the more I feel I should not do it. I found someone on craigslist locally that is hatching. Not sure if they will be vaccinated or not yet but will find out. I can do it if need be. Should I go check this persons set up first? Am I just worrying to much or is it a bad idea? I need a boost of confidence one way or the other. I'm oh so new at this and tend to second guess myself. Thanks for any and all help in advance. Patti

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Are they hatching them in an incubator or under a broody? If they are hatched within another flock, I would be worried (probably for nothing- but I'm weird about my birds). If they're being hatched in a bator, I would give that lady some babies. When I first got into chickens, I bought a whole mess of chicks that were broody hatched, I didn't have an issue with them bringing something to my flock. But I hadn't found BYC yet, and hadn't heard the horror stories from people who didn't quarentine. I read a few posts that have said they don't worry about bringing new chicks to their flock, just adults. But I'm a worry wart. Good luck!

 

[Patricia Jane]

Thanks for your response Nikki, I am a worry wart too especially when I start researching. I tend to focus on the horror stories. I'm sure they would be fine but the thought is still in the back of my mind. I would really hate to have anything happen to my girls especially if I could have prevented it. I'm not sure if they are being hatched in an incubator or hen. Dah didnt think to ask but I will now.