Broody hen taking chicks?

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It is possible but it depends on the hen. Some hens will happily accept little chicks. Some hens will hatch their own then attack them.
If she has seemingly accepted one I would think she would accept more. Keep a close eye on her to make sure.
Personally I’m hoping to attempt this myself in a month or so. I brooded chicks in my house. It was nice to keep an eye on them but what a mess. Then I had to introduce them to the flock. When I had a broody hatch chicks they were accepted right away and no mess in my house. I found it much easier.
Just be prepared to brood them yourself in case she doesn’t accept them.
 
I've done this 4 times now with 3 different hens. It is so much easier than doing it in the house and trying to integrate them later.

I start off where the broody and chicks are 100% secure from the others until the chicks learn to listen to mom. This allows the other girls to look but don't touch.

Later on I give them a larger area and see if mom wants to wander out with the chicks. If she does I have a safe spot for the babies to run if they somehow get too far from mom where the other hens can fit.

Usually by that time almost all the other hens are used to them and only do the odd peck. Mom does a good job at keeping them safe and the other hens away form her babies.
 
When I have extra chicks with no mom this is what I do.

Way I do it is to put them in after Dark when there sleeping.
That away they get the scents all mixed together thru the night.
If possible keep them in the dark for a full 24 hr's in the nest.
So far have not had trouble with getting hens to accept chicks this away.:oops::fl
 
We have some that are 1 week old and some that are 2-3 weeks old. And more coming in. Our brooder pen is in the chicken coop. The chicks can’t get out but there is a wire screen between the chicks and the other hens. As soon as my son moves the Cornish to his place I was thinking of moving my buff Orpington into the brooder they were in and add the new chicks to her. Our weather isn’t really cold right now but it is very wet. This is the first winter for our flock here and there definitely needs to be some changes to the run for them. Even the area that is covered is sloppy. So no chicks are going out there until it dries a bit.
 
Banditschickens said:
When I have extra chicks with no mom this is what I do.

Way I do it is to put them in after Dark when there sleeping.
That away they get the scents all mixed together thru the night.
If possible keep them in the dark for a full 24 hr's in the nest.
So far have not had trouble with getting hens to accept chicks this away.:oops::fl
Click to expand...
Interesting idea - 24 hours of darkness. Hadn't thought about that before.

I am getting new chicks late spring. I'm really hoping my Cochin goes broody around that time. I have zero problem bringing them in to brood them, but I think she'd be a great mama, and it'd be so cute to see her with babies in tow. Plus, it'd be easier to integrate them if she took care of it for me.

I have lots of time to think and decide before the new little ones arrive. 104 days, to be exact, but who's counting? LOL! Can you tell I'm excited?
 
chickens really said:
I don't understand. If you gave her one she won't accept others in a few days. And won't accept older chicks.
Click to expand...
I took it back right away, was just seeing what she would do. I want a more controlled area for them. Especially since the run is a very sloppy mess from all the rain. 4.5 inches in 24 hrs. Going to make changes this summer
 

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