Foster mother hen?

[zowieyellowflame]

Hello,
I had a hen hatch out 6 chicks and she took care of them for 2 or 3 weeks. Then another hen went broody and I would find chicks under her! Then the new hen started feeding the chicks and basically being their mother. The original mother adventually quit looking after them all together and still the new hen continues to care for them. They are now over 8 weeks old! The chicks listen to everything the new hen says.
Just thought I would share. Wonder if anyone else has had this happen.

 

[WingingIt]

I've seen others here have the same experience. Neat, isn't it? Some people 'break' their broody hen (especially if they didn't have fertile eggs) by purchasing days old chicks and placing them under the hen, too.

 

[pgpoultry]

Foster mommas are fine.

Chickens seem to be able to accept just about anything with feathers, so their own kind are a breeze.

Lucky your 'foster momma' was so keen if their real momma wasn't bothered.

Sandie

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Same situation right now... wonderful birds.

 

[zowieyellowflame]

Chickens are so cute!