Buying chicks for my broody silkie... good idea?

[elisabeth_]

Hi all! Happy chick-hatching season

About a month ago, I let one of my broody silkies hatch 4 chicks. My other broody is only 8 months old. I thought since she is younger than the other hen, I would wait until next year to let her hatch.

Well, she’s still broody. And has been for about 2 months now.
I absolutely CANNOT break her. (I have been making sure she gets out at least twice a day though to eat, drink, dust-bathe, etc.)

I have decided it would not hurt to let her have a few chicks, but I am not going to make her sit for another month. She is getting really light, and I’m afraid she would be too weak to raise chicks a month from now.
I’ve ordered a few silkie chicks for her. I have everything prepared (a place separate from the others, food, water, etc.)

I’m starting to get nervous though.
Will the chicks know what to do since they’ve never had a mother before?
Will my hen be okay will me just sticking some chicks under there?
Should I do it at night or could I do it during the day? (the sooner the chicks are in there the better)
The chicks are coming Wednesday or Thursday, I hope I’m doing the right thing.

Thanks for reading, any advice or success stories are appreciated.

 

[chickens really]

As long as the Brooder is dark you can slip the Chicks Under her. The Chicks have to be within a day or two old and not bonded to people. 8 months isn't too young to raise chicks.

 

[elisabeth_]

As long as the Brooder is dark you can slip the Chicks Under her. The Chicks have to be within a day or two old and not bonded to people. 8 months isn't too young to raise chicks.

thank you so much for replying. The chicks are coming from a hatchery, I doubt they will be bonded to anyone yet.

 

[chickens really]

thank you so much for replying. The chicks are coming from a hatchery, I doubt they will be bonded to anyone yet.

Then get the Hen set up in her spot to continue to be Broody. Then set the Chicks under her once you get them. Sometimes the Hen might break from her Broody trance though. At least you will be prepared.