Broody Hen

[Neolones]

How long does a broody hen need to be before using her as a surrogate mother to day old chicks?

I have a broody hen, she is a proven mother, really good with her babies, but has always hatched. Got tired of dealing with roosters & needing to get rid of them, since I cant have roosters where I live.

She has been broody just for two days, was planning on getting day old chicks this weekend. Should I wait more?

 

[Chickassan]

It will be fine. Broody is broody, hormones can't tell time.

 

[Neolones]

It will be fine. Broody is broody, hormones can't tell time.

Thank you. Now trying to find some young chicks, having no luck .

 

[Peppercorngal]

Thank you. Now trying to find some young chicks, having no luck .

If you can't find chicks, perhaps you can locate some fertile eggs on Craigslist or ah . . . HERE! Good luck! It's always easier to have a broody do the work instead of an incubator!

 

[Neolones]

Gave two day old chicks to my broody hen, she took them without a problem. Thank you all.

 

[sharondoright]

Gave two day old chicks to my broody hen, she took them without a problem. Thank you all.

Congrats! any tips for success. I am sneaking 2 day old chicks under my broody girl tonight. Very nervous as she is super alert even at night.

 

[Neolones]

Congrats! any tips for success. I am sneaking 2 day old chicks under my broody girl tonight. Very nervous as she is super alert even at night.

Sorry just logged back. How did it go? My girl passed few days after I gave her the chicks, so I had to find them a new home

 

[sharondoright]

Sorry just logged back. How did it go? My girl passed few days after I gave her the chicks, so I had to find them a new home

That is so sad. I am so sorry! My broody is now a proud mama. She took them like everyone said she would. One little has had pasty butt, but keeping up with it. Otherwise, ideal and zero problems!