Can I put 1 day old chick under Silkie Mom with 3 day old chicks???

[bstephanie8]

I have a Silkie that has 2, 3 day old chicks. Her last egg just hatched in incubator. Can I sneak this under her since the babies are all so young still. How likely is it she will accept it. She is a sweet docile Silkie.

 

[Huntmaster]

I have a Silkie that has 2, 3 day old chicks. Her last egg just hatched in incubator. Can I sneak this under her since the babies are all so young still. How likely is it she will accept it. She is a sweet docile Silkie.

Depends on the hen some are more tolerant to this than others. You would want to let new hatchling get on its feet or it wont be able to keep up with others. Then you could try to put it under hen at night after she is settled in for night with other chicks. But I would be there in morning to watch them as she may not take to the new chick. She may accept it, or just push it away and leave it behind. or she may harm it you will only know what will happen if you try. Also seen some hens just accept other chicks at first sight without putting them in at night. Like I first said it all depends on the hen all are different.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I think it's worth a try. Not all eggs hatch at the same time even when a mama hatches them. The age difference here isn't all that abnormal.

If you do attempt it, let us know how it goes! It will be informative for other BYCers.