Broody hen not getting off chicks

[Ewatrin]

Hi,
I have a broody hen that’s been trying to hatch out chicks for over a month. Since the eggs didn’t hatch, I ordered chicks from a hatchery. Last night I pulled out the eggs I could feel (I think there are still a few under her) and put the chicks under her. I got up at sunrise to see if she would accept the chicks but she’s not getting up! It is now 9:00 and she’s still not moving. When I open the hatch, she puffs up. I don’t know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chickens really]

Did you give her the Chicks?..Has she accepted them?.
Remove all the eggs.

 

[sourland]

Put feed and water close so that the chicks can access it. Hens are programmed to set another 24 to 36 hours after the first chick hatches. This assures that all viable eggs get to hatch. If she does not move in that time frame, move her and the checks from the nest site. It sounds as if all is going well.

 

[wild chick]

I'm in the exact shoes you are Ewatrin! Put my hatchery chicks under her at 2 a.m. and have been checking on her every 30 minutes since 5 a.m. It's only 7 here. I'm wondering since the chicks are several days old now, and yesterday they were happy & eating and drinking in our chick set-up, will they come out from under her on their own? Will she get it that they are ready to eat & drink?

 

[sourland]

She will eventually get the biological message to move. She doesn't know that they are several days old. To her they are new and need to remain in the nest until stronger and until all of their clutch mates have hatched.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Sourland is spot on.
I'd remove all eggs. With none left under her she will think they've all hatched and will leave nest quicker.

 

[wild chick]

I did get all her eggs before putting the chicks under her. My concern is if they would get too hungry/thirsty before she gets up or if they will just stick close to her in the nest & be OK without venturing out. Thanks for the quick replies!

 

[chickens really]

When the chicks are ready they will come out to eat and drink. Then the Hen will get up too.

 

[Ewatrin]

Thanks for the help. The chicks came out half an hour ago, and the hen finally got out of the nest. She is one happy mama!
Wild chick- how are yours doing?

 

[kimthom66]

When the chicks are ready they will come out to eat and drink. Then the Hen will get up too.

I just did this and this was my biggest concern because as you stated they were older, but this is true, when they need to eat they will come out and she will respond...as long as she has accepted them and not pecking all is well!