giving a broody foster chicks

[bock]

I have a broody cochin hen who was sitting on 5 eggs. On the 15th day some creature broke into her broody house and stole ALL of her eggs! Should I give her foster chicks from the feed store or force her off the nest?

 

[Makenziejh]

Quote:
aww, thats so sad!
I would give her fosters so she isn't sitting on an empty nest, poor thing

 

[Kittymomma]

Before you do anything figure what got in and how, then fix the problem. If it took the eggs it's likely a danger to chicks as well. After you get that solved then by all means get her some chicks. Be prepared to brood them yourself is she doesn't take them though. It will probably go fine, especially if you give them to her at night, but sometimes it doesn't work so it's best to be prepared.

 

[Backyard Farm]

That would be nice, poor thing!

it is easy to do... especially since she is that far along. You can take a few days to search around and find the chicks you want. I would give her some other eggs or golf balls or something until you make the switch.

Also, try to find babies that are less than a week old... I have found that works better. They respond better to mothering.

... then just slip the babies under her at night. I could confine her and the babies and watch to make sure the babies don't wonder out from under her until they get used to their "mom".

 

[bock]

Thank you everybody, but I am having trouble finding chicks less than a week old.

 

[Backyard Farm]

You might ask your local feed stores, etc when they are getting their next chicks. Around here some places get new chicks every week or two weeks. Also, might check on craigslist. ... maybe someone has young chick or is expecting a hatch soon. Also, if close enough, you might even find someone who has a few in an incubator ... and you can "finish" them under your girl. Just keep them warm with disposable hand warmers on the ride home.

I have done fostering with chicks older than a week but it just takes a little time for them to look to the hen as their mother. Must make sure they keep warm, etc until they accept her as mom.