Can I use a broody in the fall?

[black_cat]

I've got a very determined broody and would like nothing more than to see her with chicks. I've got a few questions:
Is it possible to just stick hatchery/TSC chicks under her?
Is it safe for her to raise the chicks in the fall?
What happens if the other chickens pick on them? (she's the lowest in the pecking order)

 

[casportpony]

Is it possible to just stick hatchery/TSC chicks under her?

How long has she been broody?

Is it safe for her to raise the chicks in the fall?

What are you fall temps?

What happens if the other chickens pick on them? (she's the lowest in the pecking order)

If that heppens, you will have to separate them.

 

[black_cat]

How long has she been broody?

A good 4 weeks.

What are you fall temps?

40s to 60s

If that heppens, you will have to separate them.

Frick

 

[casportpony]

If you can get some day old chicks, try it and see if she accepts them.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I would say yes. 2-4 chicks for a first timer would be ideal. And you need to be sure to have brooder supplies on hand if she rejects them.
And you need to set up a small area she and her chicks can be settled in before they have contact with the whole flock. Adult hens can kill a chick with a single blow to their tiny heads.

 

[WonkierZulu]

It should be fine but beware she might not adopt them. 4 weeks is good for her and 40-60s is fine any colder I would break her for being broody. Expect casualties even if she accepts. Make sure the chicks are not too old. I've had success with a serama momma raise brahma chicks from a hatchery and two olive eggers

 

[TheOddOneOut]

It should be fine but beware she might not adopt them. 4 weeks is good for Brookings and 40-60s is fine any colder I would break her for being broody. Expect casualties even if she accepts. Make sure the chicks are not too old. I've had success with a serama momma raise brahma chicks from a hatchery and two olive eggers

Casualties can be prevented. Those temps aren’t cold enough to kill a chick that can get back to its mom - but if one got separated that would be disastrous.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

First off, you should separate her from her flock and place her in a safe and secure place. Make certain that she has a nest with eggs in it. If after 24 hours she's all settled in on those eggs and sitting, then I'd say you're safe to try some chicks.
Sneak one chick at a time under her, and see how she does with it. If she sees it and accepts it, not pecking at it in any way, she should be good with them.
As far as the temps, I got an accidental hatch around this time of year before. It was a small, but successful hatch, and they did well. I super concerned about them for the time of year that they hatched, but they did fine, and was laying by next spring. My biggest thing I was keeping an eye on was their feathering. I wanted to be sure they were feathered in time. Because she only hatched out 4 chicks, it wasn't hard for her to keep them all warm. So I suggest not getting a ton of chicks, but a small amount so she can sit on them longer.
Best of luck!

 

[black_cat]

Would you guys suggest putting her in the garage, or sectioning off part of the coop with wire?

 

[WonkierZulu]

Coop with wire. You want the other chickens to get accustomed to seeing them before release.