Broody hen and Incoming hatchery chicks.

[Will230145]

Alright, so we have a broody hen expecting chicks next Friday on the 24th and we also have 12 hatchery chicks coming on the 22nd. So we are making a brooder box for the hen when the chicks hatch so she has a nice place to get re established with the flock. With the extra chicks coming what should we do? The hen could have up to 8 chicks. We could make another brooder box or should we let her have them? She's an OEGB hen. All thoughts appreciated! Thank you!

 

[JaeG]

Are the chicks being shipped to you? They'll likely need some time to recover if they are. I think up to 4 days old you can get chicks to adopt a mother. OEGBs are such great mothers. If you think it will be easier, once the chicks have recovered from being shipped, it's worth a shot. She could look after all of them if you also provided her with a heat lamp to help her out. One of our OEGB hens raised 10 large sized Orpington chicks though we kept her inside until they were bigger and provided her with a heat lamp once she needed a bit of extra help.

 

[Will230145]

They are being shipped locally to a store and the our house. Do you think she could handle 20 chicks haha? The chicks should all be hatched within 2 days of the chicks arriving!

 

[JaeG]

She'd give it a good go I'm sure! If you can add a heat lamp just in case you could do it. All our OEGBs have been wonderful mothers the few times we've allowed them to be. Just bear in mind her eggs may not hatch on time so maybe wait until they have started hatching to add a few more. And some birds willingly take in other chicks whereas some are very particular and know the difference. You'll know quickly if she's willing to take them.

If you do give her all of them you'll have to post a photo. That would be adorable!

 

[Will230145]

She is the sweetest hen I've ever met, that's her as my profile pic I think she would love to have some more chicks but the way her eggs are looking she may up to 8 chicks and then 12 more chicks.. almost 20 chicks haha! She is just so small and she is at the bottom of the pecking order and I'm trying to figure out what to do to reintroduce her, in torn on what to do!

 

[JaeG]

She looks like our Elsa (named by our kids).

I'd keep her separated but in view of the others until she's decided she's had enough, then you can reintroduce her. Once the chicks are about the same size as the rest of your birds you can try introducing them. Hopefully because they have grown up in view of the flock that will be pretty easy.

 

[Will230145]

Alright thank you!