Broody surrogate

[tsperry88]

I had 2 broody hens that reliably sat on fake eggs for a couple weeks. I tried to slip them some 3 day old chicks this morning. Both allowed them under their wings but would aggresivly peck them and make them squeel if they came out. Right now they are safely in their brooder and I'm debating trying again tomorrow or just raise them myself.

 

[tsperry88]

It was cute while it lasted. I should have separated her from the flock. I kept having to intervene which made it worse.

 

[JedJackson]

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Best to keep the chicks in the brooder at this point.

Giving her fertile eggs from another source might be the answer next time. They are available online on Ebay, from some hatcheries, or on Craigslist.

 

[tsperry88]

My eggs are fertile. Initially the hens were terrible incubators. They would leave for hours at a time. I switched for fake eggs and decided to try hatchery chicks.

I just placed the welsummer in the brooder and intially she clicked excitedly and put her wings out. When the chicks went for food and water instead, she started pecking at them and again making them squeel.

 

[JedJackson]

My eggs are fertile. Initially the hens were terrible incubators. They would leave for hours at a time. I switched for fake eggs and decided to try hatchery chicks.

I just placed the welsummer in the brooder and intially she clicked excitedly and put her wings out. When the chicks went for food and water instead, she started pecking at them and again making them squeel.

Maybe she's just not the best at mothering. Not all of them are, even among broody breeds.