Broody and baby chicks

[scoopsmom]

OK so I got 2 baby Australorps about 4 days ago and my Austrlorp hen just went broody. I had a few questions about integrating the chicks with my pullet who's about 9 months.

First off to the chicks need to be quarantined longer before I introduce them to the pullet?

Second if they do go with the pullet then what should they eat? I have a bunch of chick food but do I give that to the pullet to?

Third, would they get cold during the day when they're out walking around?

Last, should my other pullet be OK with the whole thing?

Thank you so much in advance

 

[feathermaid]

1. Really young chicks don't need to be quarantined, they haven't had time in their short life to be exposed to anything to be a contagious threat. They do need to be protected from older birds and they need a heat source for several weeks.

2. Chick starter won't hurt your hen, but if you're feeding her layer feed, that's not good for chicks. Just feed everyone an All Flock or Flock Raiser, it's good for all ages and genders. Just make sure to offer oyster shell in a separate container for laying birds.

3. What do you mean "out walking around?" You can take your chicks out on short visits either in your house or in the yard, maybe 10 min at a time, longer as they get older and grow more feathers. Babies do get chilled and need a frequent warm-up. Outside free ranging is a good time for a brief supervised introduction with your older pullet. But don't keep them penned together right away.

4. If your broody girl has been sitting for 2-3 weeks already, she may accept day old chicks as her own if you sneak them under her at night. Since that's not exactly the case, she might try to harm or even kill your chicks. You'll need to keep them separated but in view of each other for a while:
See But Don’t Touch
Integrating at 4 weeks old

 

[scoopsmom]

Thank u so much.

One more question. .. In case I wind up just raising them inside myself: I plan on getting more chicks soon, which will obviously be younger and smaller, I'm assuming I will need a separate area completely for the newer chicks?