Can a broody hen raise a lone chick??

[Chicken_girl_07]

We recently had a hen killed due to a predator. So this spring I am thinking about having a hen adopt a chick, but we only have enough room for one more and have everyone be comfortable. Do you think this is possible? Our flock is very small (four hens now) and we don’t have a rooster. If this happens the hen would be a first time mom. Any tips or thoughts??

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The hen must be broody to try and get her to foster a day old chick. You can't just put a chick under her and expect her to take over caring for it

 

[Gallinarium]

Hens can easily brood one chick, but chicks always want to be around siblings as they grow up. The rule of thumb is that you need three birds for them to be happy, this is in each age group. 4+ is better, so if one doesn't make it you still have at least three. I would wait until you can accommodate more than five hens. Another option is to buy a started pullet or adult hen, you can get these almost anywhere. If you want a specific breed you can order older birds from certain hatcheries. Just be sure to quarantine any new birds for a period, other than chicks.