Broody hen and new chicks

[Bcampo]

Hi all, I’ve only been raising chicks for 1 year so need to still learn a lot! I just so happen to have a broody hen when my nine new chicks arrived in the mail on Tuesday and I’m wondering if I should put them together. I’ve read about doing it in the evening but I’m not sure where it should happen. The new chicks are in the garage in the brooder. Do I bring my hen into the brooder out of her coop? Not sure of the logistics for this. Please advise. Thank you!

 

[sourland]

A lot depends upon how long the hen has been setting. The closer to 21 days the greater the chance of success. Slip the chicks beneath her where she is setting when it is dark. Monitor closely, and be sure to get out there just at daybreak to make sure she is not attacking them. Good luck.

 

[Bcampo]

A lot depends upon how long the hen has been setting. The closer to 21 days the greater the chance of success. Slip the chicks beneath her where she is setting when it is dark. Monitor closely, and be sure to get out there just at daybreak to make sure she is not attacking them. Good luck.

She sets in a nesting box and I’m afraid the other adult hens will interfere if I bring the chicks to her. No?

 

[sourland]

It is likely that they will, but if you move her before allowing her to imprint on the chicks, it is unlikely that she will accept them. In my experience hens are initially as imprinted on the nest site as on the eggs or chicks. Can you lock the rest of the flock away from her for 24 hours ?

 

[Bcampo]

It is likely that they will, but if you move her before allowing her to imprint on the chicks, it is unlikely that she will accept them. In my experience hens are initially as imprinted on the nest site as on the eggs or chicks. Can you lock the rest of the flock away from her for 24 hours ?

I could keep them in the run for the 24 hours. It’s safe. But then would I move hen and chicks to a dog crate that’s in the coop? Or move them to brooder in garage?

 

[TK421]

She needs to have been broody awhile or she won’t be ready to accept them. I’ve heard at least 16 days, and 21 is best.