Broody hen adopting chicks, is it doable?

[Turtle]

I have a RIR that has been broody for about 4 days now. I dont have any roosters in with those hens. I just received my welsummers and Marans that are two days old. Is there any way I can get her to take to them and not worry about her hurting them? There are 3 other RIR and 3 EE'S in the same run/hen house. If its possible to get her to take them what is the safest way to do it for the chicks.

 

[3peeps]

Check this link...it has info on "grafting" chicks to a broody hen. http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html

If you know she's a decent broody (stays broody for quite a few weeks, or has successfully brooded before) it may be easier. But you always run the risk of the mother hen giving up or getting ornery before the job is done.

In any case, you should start with one chick at night if you decide to try it out.

 

[Turtle]

Thank you, I think I am going to just do it the way I raised all the others. This is the first time the hen has gone broody and the first time I have dealt with a broody hen. I would rather be safe than sorry. Thank you for the link it is very informative and helped me out a lot.

 

[tiffanyh]

It has always worked great for me. I have done it quite a few times with different hens....and the moms take such good care of them. It is so much easier than raising them in a brooder.....

 

[Turtle]

I had a chick that got out of the brooder and couldnt open its eyes so I figured I had nothing to lose by putting it in with my broody hen last night. I was thinking of culling it anyway because it was having a hard time. Well today momma hen is hovering over her baby taking great care of it. So now I have a blind chick and I am going to let momma hen raise it and if it makes it I will have a blind welsummer hen. Momma hen is so happy with her baby and baby is finally quite and seems happy also. I am happy I didnt have to cull a chick. So we are all quite content.