Broody hen adopting chicks

[butterfieldcoop]

We only have 2 hens, and one has been broody for over a month. Decided to buy hatched chicks to put under her (as zoning only allows females). Slipped them under her last night, but was not able to remove all of the eggs, as she was getting quite agitated. She was sitting on 12 layed by her friend. This morning the chicks were on the opposite side of the small coop. Don' t know if she rejected them, or was just not moving because she was still sitting on eggs. We tried to put them near her, but she would grunt, and they would not stay. We brought the chicks back inside to warm up. Do we try again? If so during the day or wait until night? Should I remove her eggs during the day?

 

[GitaBooks]

Sorry it took so long to respond.

Try introducing them at night again. Slip a couple under so that it isn't over-whelming to her. Remove all but two of the eggs so she remains seated there all night. The chicks only have so long an imprinting period, so try to get them under her as fast as you can. Keep an eye out, however, as mothers can be aggressive towards chicks they don't consider their own.

I hope it all works out. Best of luck!