Former broody, now mama hen, raising chicks

[JenniferCNY]

Last week my broody Buff Orpington hatched 2 out of 10 eggs that I ordered for her. It has been such a wonderful experience watching her do her thing with the baby chicks.

She is in the main coop with my other 7 hens and that is going fine. Once a day I bring mama and babies outside for supervised time. I could watch them all day scratch and peck and cluck and chirp.

Last year was my first year with chickens and I raised them in a brooder in my office, then a pen in my garage, then their permanent outdoor coop and run. They also free range on 2 acres. Having the mama do all the work is so much more rewarding and interesting. I don't think I will have a broody hatch again but I would give day old chicks if one goes broody next spring.

I wasn't going to add to my flock this year. I wasn't going to succumb to chicken math. You can see how that went!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I'm so glad you are enjoying your broody hen and chicks.

I find broody hatching the best way. Mom does all the work, and the chicks are healthier and grow faster.

You can certainly foster day old chicks, but be aware that not all fostering goes smoothly.

Generally I find the hen willing but the feed store chicks are a bit dense as to where they should go having been hatched and brooded their first couple of days in artificial surroundings.

They often fear the hen and try to run away. It also seems to stress their systems so that they succumb to the elements easier.

I have successfully fostered, but I've also lost my share.

If you do decide for feed store day olds (which are actually several days old by the time the store gets them), load them up with chick vitamins/electrolytes before placing with the hen.

You can choose at night, but often the stress of transport to store, then transport to your place, then holding for night, then placing with hen can be too much.

I do best loading them up and placing them in daylight (late afternoon best) with a willing hen. I then stand by for about 20 minutes to make sure they are staying with the hen. I then recheck about every half hour until night and things settle. Then recheck in the morning. Even then, keep watch. It is by day 2 or 3 that trouble generally arises as chicks wander (not knowing to obey the hen's voice yet) or stress illness sets in.

Congratulations again on your happy brood.
Lofmc

 

[JenniferCNY]

Thanks for all that wonderful advice and insight!

I think I might need a bigger coop for next year.