Broody and chicks: am I doing this right?

[bawkbawkbawk]

You probably won't have to move yours- I don't have a ramp. And it's a long way to the ground for a little one from our counters.

 

[NicolleJean]

Hi! I have been reading this thread and I have a few questions. I have a broody hen and I wanted to give her a baby chick to foster since I do not have fertilized eggs. She is a Blue Sumatra (sp?).I am told they are very good mommas but I am concerned about my other two hens. How do I go about introducing a chick safely? Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[featheredbelles]

Hi! I have been reading this thread and I have a few questions. I have a broody hen and I wanted to give her a baby chick to foster since I do not have fertilized eggs. She is a Blue Sumatra (sp?).I am told they are very good mommas but I am concerned about my other two hens. How do I go about introducing a chick safely? Thanks in advance for any advice!

We'll I am new to this as well, but I think in general you try to let momma hen and chicks have their own area and when they're ready, mom will introduce them to the flock. However, I didn't separate my hen and chicks, since mom is such a bossy hen. She's the leader and my other 2 hens didn't dare harming her chicks.
Tonight she was sitting inside the coop's door and the 2 other hens had to squeeze in to get to their perch. She sat there cool and peaceful with her chicks under her wings.
But if you want to be on the safe side and she's been broody for at least a week, I'd separate her from the flock before getting chicks. Hope this helps.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

I think it would be ideal for them to have their own space. My set-up does not allow for that, but it has always worked out with the other hens in my flock. My little Belgian Mille Fleur defended three chicks fiercely from any intrusions by the rest of my standard-size hens and it was a marvel to see how brave and determined she was.

We are on Day Three of our current broody/chick adventure. Mama and chicks are still up in one of our two nesting cubicles and so far the other hens are coming and going from the other cubicle without interfering. If that changes, I will post here about it.

 

[featheredbelles]

I think it would be ideal for them to have their own space. My set-up does not allow for that, but it has always worked out with the other hens in my flock. My little Belgian Mille Fleur defended three chicks fiercely from any intrusions by the rest of my standard-size hens and it was a marvel to see how brave and determined she was.

We are on Day Three of our current broody/chick adventure. Mama and chicks are still up in one of our two nesting cubicles and so far the other hens are coming and going from the other cubicle without interfering. If that changes, I will post here about it.

Oooh, you have a mille fleur!! I just read about them and how friendly they are. They lay the little eggs, don't they? I wish I could add on to my run and I would have all kinds of breeds.

 

[Pstock44]

Hi! I have been reading this thread and I have a few questions. I have a broody hen and I wanted to give her a baby chick to foster since I do not have fertilized eggs. She is a Blue Sumatra (sp?).I am told they are very good mommas but I am concerned about my other two hens. How do I go about introducing a chick safely? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I started a thread about 2 hatches I've had 3 weeks apart. 8 chicks in a separated area and 3 chicks in the main coop. Just pulled the mesh screen the other day to let 4 week old chicks start integration. The 3 are now 1 week old and neither hatch has had any real issues. All mine are Orpingtons and know to be pretty gentle so that may be part of my success. From now on I'll hatch in the main coop and keep the breeder pen for special birds, I have 3 silkies and want to breed them pure, hoping one is a roo.

I'd post a link to it but haven't figured out how yet.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

@featheredbelles My Mille Fleur will be six years old this summer. She is delightful. So spunky! And she was a magnificent mother to three standard size chicks:

She laid tiny eggs for awhile and then decided, I guess, that she could get by on her looks. No eggs from her for many years but she snuggles in my husband's jacket when he comes out to read with the hens so she's got elevated status in our flock.

 

[featheredbelles]

@featheredbelles My Mille Fleur will be six years old this summer. She is delightful. So spunky! And she was a magnificent mother to three standard size chicks:
View attachment 557319
She laid tiny eggs for awhile and then decided, I guess, that she could get by on her looks. No eggs from her for many years but she snuggles in my husband's jacket when he comes out to read with the hens so she's got elevated status in our flock.
View attachment 557341

"..she could get by on her looks.."!!
She really is beautiful though, smart girl! And that is the sweetest picture with your husband!! Now I want one even more. Let's see what the poultry future holds for me.
Oh and meanwhile:

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

That is such a sweet photo! Looks like a huge success!

 

[Chang1993]

Well here a OEGB x Ameraucana Bantam with her foster chicks of two white phoenix chicks (only seen one) and a ayam cemani chick. She a great protective mom and will attack anything coming near her when broody or raising chicks.