Broody Hen with Older Chicks

[NHChickengirl]

so I got some chicks 2 weeks ago. I know my hens can hear them as they are in the little coop next to theirs. All of a sudden I have a Broody Hen. I know lots of people sneak Day old chicks under a Broody Hen at night. Since they are older what are the chances this Broody could be moved to their little coop and not kill them? Thanks for any advice you have.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

so I got some chicks 2 weeks ago. I know my hens can hear them as they are in the little coop next to theirs. All of a sudden I have a Broody Hen. I know lots of people sneak Day old chicks under a Broody Hen at night. Since they are older what are the chances this Broody could be moved to their little coop and not kill them? Thanks for any advice you have.

She might not kill them... but she won't accept them nor they her in my experience. Part of tucking them under when young is they learn her voice and her theirs so they will follow and listen to her. And the learn that she is the heat/feed source.

Also, she needs to be broody a bit longer. Let the hormones kick in real well.

What I have seen with hens that are around chicks that aren't theirs... they will get pecked when they approach and maybe chased some. They will not be allowed to warm up or eat. But if they get distressed by a predator (me) broody's will come defend the little's. They may not want to raise them but they also don't wanna see them picked off.

If you aren't going to get her some different chicks... I would break her now...

I have done a LOT of chick adoptions... I would NOT try it.

But let us know how it goes if you do.

 

[song of joy]

The chicks are too old to be fostered to the broody hen.

When fostering chicks, I make sure the hen has been broody for at least 2 weeks and the chicks are less than 2 days old. This increases the likelihood of success (but does not guarantee it).