Hey friends,
This is my second year raising purchased chicks under a broody hen. I just waited til night and slipped them under her and she's been a great mom.
My flock was decimated last year by a day time fox attack, so this year I purchased 15 chicks. I put 9 under my broody, and 2 didn't make it. The rest of them I've got in my garage under a lamp. I lost 1 to Cocci (I think) this week, but they others are doing great (I'm doing a water/Corid 5 day treatment for the indoor flock to be safe).
After seeing both brooding methods at the same time, I'm absolutely convinced that the best way for the chicks is to be raised by a broody. Does anyone know if she will accept the chicks from the heat lamp if I do the same thing and put them under her tonight? They are 4 weeks, but that's the same age as my outdoor flock.
Total # of chicks is 12, 6 are polish (not quite bantams, but pretty small) the other 6 are regular size breeds.
Anyone ever tried it? Would love some advice!