Anyone experience this?

[bloom chicks]

I had a broody hatch out one baby she seemed ok with it until last week. She decided that she didn't want to keep the baby at night any more.

She tolerates her during the day. She went up to rooster and left baby. The baby just turned 3 weeks today. I have another broody sitting on eggs right now her babies hatch on Friday. The baby has been sleeping with the broody and the broody doesn't seem to mind, at night the baby goes in the crate with her and she stands up a little for her (baby) to come under her. Is it going to be a problem when the new ones hatch?....... Thanks for your input......

 

[poultryman17]

im sure she will be fine. I would imagine she would have rejected the chick right away. Just keep and eye out and see what happens. Good Luck

 

[bloom chicks]

Thanks you.

The broody mama is very sweet with the baby. I just wasn't sure how it would work when the new ones hatch.

 

[chicmom]

Hens vary a bit on how long they will mother the babies. Some mother their chicks longer than others. What you describe is typical hen behavior. Mama raises them--teaching them about where the food and water is, and how to forage, then around the time she starts laying eggs again, she goes back with the flock, and doesn't care much if the babies follow or not.

I free range mine alot, so I let the mother hen's do as they wish, and I don't intervene, unless I see trouble. It's nice to let the hen handle the babies, because often, the flock accepts the younger ones pretty easily. I've got 3 month old babies running around with my adult flock now, which is great!

I think things will be fine in both of your situations. Mama usually still likes her babies and will hang out with them during the day, but she doesn't always stay with them, and at night, sometimes they roost with her.

Take care and don't worry,
Sharon

 

[NovaAman]

My broody took babies while she was still on eggs. So, as long as the baby is warm and nite, and tolerated by the other during the day, she'll be fine. But be vigilant in case the one during the day stops taking care of it.

 

[bloom chicks]

Hens vary a bit on how long they will mother the babies. Some mother their chicks longer than others. What you describe is typical hen behavior. Mama raises them--teaching them about where the food and water is, and how to forage, then around the time she starts laying eggs again, she goes back with the flock, and doesn't care much if the babies follow or not.

I free range mine alot, so I let the mother hen's do as they wish, and I don't intervene, unless I see trouble. It's nice to let the hen handle the babies, because often, the flock accepts the younger ones pretty easily. I've got 3 month old babies running around with my adult flock now, which is great!

I think things will be fine in both of your situations. Mama usually still likes her babies and will hang out with them during the day, but she doesn't always stay with them, and at night, sometimes they roost with her.

Take care and don't worry,
Sharon

Thanks

I free range all my chickens together too!

It makes things very easy. This was her second brood. she stayed with her 1st hatch for 5 weeks. She was also more attentive the othe 1st ones. The rest of the flock is very sweet to the baby too.
I have one mama that won't give up her babies. They will be 10 weeks this week and she is making me crazy.

( she keeps jumping the fence and taking the babies with her) I even clipped her wing. That didn't help. She can jump a 4'.5". She is an Easter Egger. I guess 2 acres aren't enough for her. lol

 

[bloom chicks]

My broody took babies while she was still on eggs. So, as long as the baby is warm and nite, and tolerated by the other during the day, she'll be fine. But be vigilant in case the one during the day stops taking care of it.

Thank you. I have been watching.