Broody hen, chicks arriving in mail.

[rainbowgardens]

I have a hen that has been broody for two to three weeks. I also have day old chicks arriving this week. Should I try to let the broody hen care for them? How probable is it that she will accept them as her own and how should I do it?

 

[Ridgerunner]

How many are you planning on giving her? She needs to be able to cover them and keep them warm, especially at night. Don't give her any more chicks than you would give her eggs to hatch.

People have had success different ways. The most recommended way is to put the chicks under her at night while she is asleep, with as little light and commotion as you can manage. She will hear the chicks peeping at night and think she hatched them.

The odds are pretty good that she will accept them and raise them. I personally think it is worth the effort. There is a risk of course. She may not accept them and may kill them when she wakes up. The younger they are, the better chance it has of working, but many broodies will accept chicks that are several days old.

When you get the chicks, I'd suggest you feed and water them, then well after she is zonked out for the night, slip them under her. Check on them in the morning when she is waking up to see if you need to take them away and brood them or if she has accepted them. This will require some judgment. It is not at all unusual for a hen to peck at her chicks to discipline them and force them to do what she is telling them to do. If she pecks at them, she ,may be trying to kill them or she may be telling them, there is this huge monster out here (You are the monster) that is ready to eat you. Get back under me where it is safe.

I don't know if it will work or not for you, but I would try it. Good luck!!!

 

[rainbowgardens]

Thanks Ridgerunner. I may try it if I'm brave. It would be nice seeing my hen rewarded for all the stress she's going through.