Broodie Silkie accepting baby chicks.

[ericsgirlie]

They just arrived .. we were not supposed to get them until tomorrow. We have a broody silkie do we introduce them tonight. How will they eat if they are under her? HELP, I am clueless.

 

[Erica]

If you want to use the broody then night is the best time to slip them under her. But they need to be as close to day-old as possible. Some broodies will reject chicks that they feel are too old to be theirs.

Just make sure there is chick feed available near the nestbox. As long as chicks can come and go from under mum safely, they'll eat and drink (they've probably already learned to do this). The mother might sit a bit longer or she might come off the nest with the chicks.

Stay close and check frequently, if you see any problems then you might have to step in and rescue the chicks. It may be that mum stays on the nest for another day and the chicks want to eat but can't find her again afterward to get warm, so make sure you scoop them up and pop them in with her (as long as she isn't rejecting them).

It should go well, but be prepared in case it doesn't (a cardboard box, heat lamp etc).

best wishes
Erica

 

[ericsgirlie]

Ok, we slipped them under her. she came right off the nest and ate, which she has not done for like 3 weeks. Now they come out eat and she gets all nervous if one is hidden . So cute, she is gathering them and pulling them under her. Can I assume, she has adopted. One chick especially loves her and goes in out out of her. Do they just go under her when they are cold?

BTW, we have them inside in the brooding cage. The silkies are used to being inside

How old do they have to be to introduce them to the other flock?

 

[ericsgirlie]

She is purring while she is sitting on them. What is that?

 

[ericsgirlie]

2 hours later... She is a mama. So sweet to watch!