Broody mama chicken - day old guinea keets

[MountainOrchard]

Another of my hens has gone broody, and coincidentally I was planning on getting some guinea keets this week. I know chickens will hatch guinea eggs, but if I put already hatched keets under her, what are the chances she will be convinced they are her own? Has anyone tried this?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I haven't slipped guineas under hens, but I've slipped chicks under them. I do it at night. I lift her a bit and put them under. Then I wait about 15 minutes or so to make sure she wont hurt them. I go out and check on everyone first thing in the morning.

I've never had a hen refuse chicks (yet). But, when I've given them to the girls, its always been because the eggs they were sitting on didn't hatch.

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't give it a try, just be prepared for the worst case scenario. If you set up the brooder and have it ready, she'll probably accept them

Good luck

 

[MountainOrchard]

I haven't slipped guineas under hens, but I've slipped chicks under them. I do it at night. I lift her a bit and put them under. Then I wait about 15 minutes or so to make sure she wont hurt them. I go out and check on everyone first thing in the morning.

I've never had a hen refuse chicks (yet). But, when I've given them to the girls, its always been because the eggs they were sitting on didn't hatch.

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't give it a try, just be prepared for the worst case scenario. If you set up the brooder and have it ready, she'll probably accept them

Good luck

Yay, that's the answer I was hoping for!

Thanks so much! I'll give it a try and have a backup ready.

 

[MountainOrchard]

It seems to have worked! Everyone was quiet and happy this morning. I started with just 2 guineas and I'll put the rest under her tonight.