Broody Hen ~ Chick adoption

[Judy Todd]

Hi we have had a broody hen for around three weeks now. We been thinking about buying a day old chick to put under her, and have been doing a lot of research but still have a lot of questions.
* Can I introduce the chick while she's still in the coop with the other hen
* How should I introduce the chick/s
* What should I dp if she doesn't accept the chicks
* The coop/run is secure for hens but there are gaps under the fence and the gaps in the fence are small enough for a chick to get out of, will the chick stay with her mum or do I need to do some major chick proofing
* We have bought a smaller feeder, drinker, and some chick starter is there anything else I need to worry about?

Thanks so much, please help soon

Zojo

YOu got lots of good advise, but here is mine to add. I do not let a broody hen stay in the coop. As soon as I know she is serious, I move her to an old dog pen in the garage, which I have made ready with bedding, a nest box , food and water. I put a heat lamp on a timer if we are having below average temps, just a few hours in the morning, at the opposite end of the pen, probable unnecessary, but it makes me feel better. she has fake eggs under her. After a week or so, when I know she is still setting, I go to feed store later in the day and bring home chicks in the dark. I turn off all lights and slip them under her one at a time. This has been working for 8 years, no deaths, no rejections. Yes, it is always a Cochine or Orpington, right now a banty Cochin is raising 5 chicks, 2 Morans, 1 GLW and 2 Americanas, all doing fine. Good luck with your babies.