Can a broody hen that lost her chick raise other chicks?

[bethanymccracken]

Hey! I am new to this website and have questions. Last night, something broke into the coop and got my broody hen and her baby chick.. thankfully the hen was able to survive, but her chick did not. Ever since, the hen has acted sad and depressed, and won’t ever really leave the coop. If I bought some new chicks and introduced them to her, would she take them under her wing, and act more normal and happy again?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

She may or may not. I've had broodies that failed a hatch take a nanny job with the successful mamas. Was she still on eggs?

 

[bethanymccracken]

She may or may not. I've had broodies that failed a hatch take a nanny job with the successful mamas. Was she still on eggs?

Yes, there was still 2 eggs underneath of her. They must’ve gotten eaten, because they’re nowhere to be found anymore..

 

[Secondof9]

I'm so sorry for your loss!
She might. I've successfully tucked day old chicks under my broody hen BUT she was intensely broody at the time trying valiantly to hatch a fake egg. I waited until just after dark, removed the fake ceramic egg and tucked the babies under her. She immediately took to them and started "talking" to them. You would need to watch her carefully though in case she rejects them - she could try to kill them and that would be just too sad! Please let us know how it goes if you do this.

 

[Iluveggers]

 

[bethanymccracken]

I'm so sorry for your loss!
She might. I've successfully tucked day old chicks under my broody hen BUT she was intensely broody at the time trying valiantly to hatch a fake egg. I waited until just after dark, removed the fake ceramic egg and tucked the babies under her. She immediately took to them and started "talking" to them. You would need to watch her carefully though in case she rejects them - she could try to kill them and that would be just too sad! Please let us know how it goes if you do this.

Ok thank you

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

Good luck! Make sure you are prepared to brood the chicks yourself if she doesn't accept them.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Since she was still sitting on unhatched eggs, i would give her a few new eggs immediately, until you can get chicks. The adoptee chicks should be given to her asap, but well after dark.

Most importantly, what are your plans to keep the adoptee chicks safe? If chick and eggs disappeared without a trace, your culprit is possibly a large ratsnake. A rat is capable of doing the deed too. The culprit will be back for another meal as soon as it hears/smells/sees more cute cheeping chicks.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would tuck an egg under her (doesn't matter what one, just one that isn't going to be eaten) and let her brood on it over night, make sure she's still in that mindset before trying to foster her