I have a broody hen (Buff Orpington/Barred Rock cross) that hatched out 2 Buff Orpington chicks Monday (Aug. 5th). Because of the poor hatch rate, I quickly ordered some chicks with the hope that she'd adopt and raise them. I ordered 6 Barred Rocks, 5 Black Australorps, and 5 Buff Orpingtons. Later that same day I realized that I should of probably only ordered reddish/yellowish chicks, but it was too late to change the order by then, the chicks were already in the mail.
They arrived yesterday morning. I put them in a brooder with a heat lamp, food, and warm sugar water. Then slipped them under her that night, as I read to do. I was ready early this morning to intervene if need be, but everything went great. Momma hen was clucking away, happy with her large family. She definitely did notice the black chicks, kinda gave them funny looks, but didn't seem to mother them any less than the 7 buff chicks. I watched for about 20 minutes and everything looked good. I checked them again a couple hours later, still good. Then when I went to check them again around noon, she and the 7 buff chicks were in the center with the food and water, and the 11 black chicks were all huddled in the far end of their enclosure. Sure enough, when I guided them back to the group she pecked them. Very gently, but definitely a peck, and one that sent them running.
Anybody have any ideas or suggestions? I can always raise them myself but was really wanting them to be raised by a hen so that they could join the big flock much sooner.
They arrived yesterday morning. I put them in a brooder with a heat lamp, food, and warm sugar water. Then slipped them under her that night, as I read to do. I was ready early this morning to intervene if need be, but everything went great. Momma hen was clucking away, happy with her large family. She definitely did notice the black chicks, kinda gave them funny looks, but didn't seem to mother them any less than the 7 buff chicks. I watched for about 20 minutes and everything looked good. I checked them again a couple hours later, still good. Then when I went to check them again around noon, she and the 7 buff chicks were in the center with the food and water, and the 11 black chicks were all huddled in the far end of their enclosure. Sure enough, when I guided them back to the group she pecked them. Very gently, but definitely a peck, and one that sent them running.
Anybody have any ideas or suggestions? I can always raise them myself but was really wanting them to be raised by a hen so that they could join the big flock much sooner.
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