Broody Hen, introducing chicks

[Megatron56]

Hey guys!
I know this has been discussed before but I want to set myself up for success.
I have a small flock of 6, 2 silkies and 4 regular size chickens. Silkies are constantly broody (DUH!), so I’d like to try and let them be mothers if possible.
I have chicks coming April 28th. Currently no one is broody, but I’ve read they need to be broody at least 2 weeks to be accepting of the new chicks?
My questions, separate or keep with the flock. My big concern is the silkies are bottom of the pecking order, My alpha hen can be a bit of an a hole, will the silkies be able to defend the chicks?
So if I keep them inside, do you still let them out with the flock sometimes, but supervised? Does some time with the flock help introductions in the future, or doesn’t matter cause it’s not all the time. I’m assuming since they have mom outside time any age of the chicks is fine right? No need to have feathers like normal brooder chicks.
When does mom usually say screw it to the chicks? What should I look for that mom doesn’t accept the chicks?
What tips do you have for this process in general?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[FunClucks]

Have you checked out our Learning Center? There are a number of great articles that can tell you what to expect.

 

[Megatron56]

Have you checked out our Learning Center? There are a number of great articles that can tell you what to expect.

I’ve tried searching, but not successful. I’ll try the learning center.

 

[FunClucks]

Hey guys!
I know this has been discussed before but I want to set myself up for success.
I have a small flock of 6, 2 silkies and 4 regular size chickens. Silkies are constantly broody (DUH!), so I’d like to try and let them be mothers if possible.
I have chicks coming April 28th. Currently no one is broody, but I’ve read they need to be broody at least 2 weeks to be accepting of the new chicks?

Generally, yes. Their hormones need to be good and going to be a good mom.

My questions, separate or keep with the flock.

Depends on the personality of the broody hen. Some would do best separated, I separate them until the chicks are a couple weeks old, and can withstand some bullying, just in case.

My big concern is the silkies are bottom of the pecking order, My alpha hen can be a bit of an a hole, will the silkies be able to defend the chicks?

Again, depends on your individual broody hen. I had a mid-lower level hen (Sassy) who beat the heck out of the bossy head hen and everyone else when she was raising chicks. Those hormones of hers were no joke. But I had another broody who smashed most of the eggs and let the other hens pick up the chicks by their feet and mess with them, so it depends on the broody hen. I never let that second broody sit again - she was no good.

So if I keep them inside, do you still let them out with the flock sometimes, but supervised? Does some time with the flock help introductions in the future, or doesn’t matter cause it’s not all the time.

Look no touch is a good way to do it if you can swing it for a few weeks. Or just let them out with the flock and keep an eye out. Mom should still be known to the flock.

I’m assuming since they have mom outside time any age of the chicks is fine right? No need to have feathers like normal brooder chicks.

At day 3, hens will leave the nest with chicks. They can go outside at that time. Make sure they stay with mom and she cares for them properly, and then you're good.

When does mom usually say screw it to the chicks?

4-6 week or older. It depends on the broody.

What should I look for that mom doesn’t accept the chicks?

She may attack them, pecking aggressively, and may kill them. If she calls to them and cuddles them under her, she has accepted them. If she drives them away and attacks, you'll need to raise them in a brooder.

What tips do you have for this process in general?

A lot of folks say wait until evening and sneak the babies under mom in the night, removing any fake eggs in the process. The younger the chicks, the better it works. They wake up in the morning, and accept the chicks. This works well for most folks.

I introduced my day old chick to my best broody with 3 other chicks during the afternoon - I wanted to see if she would accept it or attack it. The other chicks had hatched a day or so ago. Sassy heard the chick crying because it was cold from across the yard, and started calling to it. I brought it to her, shoved it under her, and removed the remaining fake egg in the same snatch - instant quiet. No issues. Baby stayed hidden for a few hrs, then went to eat with the others. ALL the chicks belonged to Sassy. She was an awesome broody.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Megatron56]

Generally, yes. Their hormones need to be good and going to be a good mom.

Depends on the personality of the broody hen. Some would do best separated, I separate them until the chicks are a couple weeks old, and can withstand some bullying, just in case.

Again, depends on your individual broody hen. I had a mid-lower level hen (Sassy) who beat the heck out of the bossy head hen and everyone else when she was raising chicks. Those hormones of hers were no joke. But I had another broody who smashed most of the eggs and let the other hens pick up the chicks by their feet and mess with them, so it depends on the broody hen. I never let that second broody sit again - she was no good.

Look no touch is a good way to do it if you can swing it for a few weeks. Or just let them out with the flock and keep an eye out. Mom should still be known to the flock.

At day 3, hens will leave the nest with chicks. They can go outside at that time. Make sure they stay with mom and she cares for them properly, and then you're good.

4-6 week or older. It depends on the broody.

She may attack them, pecking aggressively, and may kill them. If she calls to them and cuddles them under her, she has accepted them. If she drives them away and attacks, you'll need to raise them in a brooder.

A lot of folks say wait until evening and sneak the babies under mom in the night, removing any fake eggs in the process. The younger the chicks, the better it works. They wake up in the morning, and accept the chicks. This works well for most folks.

I introduced my day old chick to my best broody with 3 other chicks during the afternoon - I wanted to see if she would accept it or attack it. The other chicks had hatched a day or so ago. Sassy heard the chick crying because it was cold from across the yard, and started calling to it. I brought it to her, shoved it under her, and removed the remaining fake egg in the same snatch - instant quiet. No issues. Baby stayed hidden for a few hrs, then went to eat with the others. ALL the chicks belonged to Sassy. She was an awesome broody.

Oh thanks this is wonderful! Honestly I think we will keep em inside and then have time with the flock outside. I’m a mother hen myself, I think it would stress me out too much. Plus I want the chicks to know me too and being inside will let them get used to my voice and face.
I do have fencing so I’ll try to take em out daily so reintegration isn’t so bad hopefully.