First time broody and putting babies under her

[henney penny]

I have a first time broody buff orpington,she went broody today and I have 11 baby buffs that are three days old.I took the eggs from her as I have no rooster now and put golf balls under her,I thought I would wait a couple days and see if she stays broody then try putting a couple chicks under her at night and if she makes out ok with them then put the rest under her.I have done this before with great success,but neven under one that has only been broody a couple days,has anyone done this before?I was told that a hen has no clock so it makes no difference how long or short she has been broody.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

I just did this in June, also with a Buff Orpington. She had been broody for a month when I slipped the chicks underneath her.

You can read about our experience here:

http://polloplayer.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/chick-heaven/

http://polloplayer.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/to-brood-or-not-to-brood-that-is-the-question/

http://polloplayer.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/meet-mama-hope-and-her-baby-chicks/

and in subsequent posts.

Good luck!

 

[henney penny]

Really wondering about her not being broody long enough,Anyone else try this with a 2 day broody?????

 

[Ridgerunner]

I haven't tried it with one that has been broody that short a time. The other potential problem is that the chicks are not getting any younger. Three days old should be OK but you are quickly running out of your window of opportunity because of them getting older.

If I were going to try, I'd try sooner rather than later because of the age of the chicks. Maybe just risk two or three and see what happens. If she accepts them, then give her the rest. But I have not done it with a hen that has been broody that short a time, so I really don't have the experience you are looking for. Good luck!

 

[henney penny]

Took two out last night after dark and put them under her.Went out this morning at 5am and heard no noise or seen nothing,mom looks content,Will check again later

 

[henney penny]

Success,the other nine will go out under her tonight.Can`t hardly believe a 2 day broody would do this

 

[henney penny]

Their home is an old potato barrel,I fenced it in so the others could not get in,it was there laying barrel

 

[Evelle]

congratulations!!!!

 

[henney penny]

All nine are under her now she has 11 babies.Will check early in the morning hope everything goes well

 

[henney penny]

Just checked this morning and al seems fine.will get pics later on if its not raining to hard