Broody hen

[11langenkamp_w]

Will the broody hen take care of her chicks if she is in with other chickens? Also will she feed them and keep them warm?

 

[goldnchocolate]

My broody hen hatched her eggs in the barn, separate from the other chickens, and she didn't bring them out among the "general population" until they were about 1-1/2 wks old. I was providing them food in where they were. The only way the hen will feed the chicks is that she shows them where the food is by calling to them with a special clucking noise. Other than that she won't feed them the same way that wild birds feed their young.

Yes, she will keep them warm by letting them sleep under her wings. Even when she brings them out she will periodically let them warm up under her.

 

[elmo]

Some people separate the hen with her chicks from the rest of the flock for a while, just to avoid the possiblility of fights and injuries to chicks.

 

[11langenkamp_w]

Ok and if there is a big open water thing will they drowned or does the hen help them??