Chick Adoption round 2

[chicken95]

Hi my very committed and sweet Marans hen has adopted 7 of my chicks that are a week old. However I have another 12 in the incubator hatching in 2 days time! Would I be able to slip her 12 new babies as well?

Momma has taken to her 7 babies and doing really well

 

[tsperry88]

I have no experience letting a hen raise chicks, but I read an article yesterday where they did just that. The writer said the mother hen seemed confused at first but accepted them all. I'll try to find what I read again.

 

[black_cat]

I think that 19 babies at once is too much for a hen to keep warm and care for properly. I also think that it is too late for her to accept any new babies because her current ones are so big.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

19 is a lot of babies!! Do you have another broody? I'm sure it COULD work, but again, lots of babies and huge age gap.

 

[chicken95]

Right okay no worries I think I’m better off putting the new ones into the brooder

 

[tsperry88]

I miss read the age difference. Attached is what I read, but I guess the scenario is different.

 

[chicken95]

Oh brill! On day 19 now eeekkk all excited guyyyys

 

[50-45-1]

I think your broody would likely accept more chicks, espically if you add them after dark and they are just there with the others in the morning....however.
I would not do it.
The age differance between the older chicks of over a week is to great.
These older chicks are more active, robust and heavy to be mixed with delicate day olds.
Your weak newborns would likely perish from all the jostling and likely get knocked over and crushed by the older ones.
Wait untill you see the size differance when you have them side by side.
Good luck with your hatch!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Right okay no worries I think I’m better off putting the new ones into the brooder

You are correct.
She would not be able to care for them all.