Giving a broody older chicks?

[Harmoni]

Anyone successfully get a broody to take 7 week old chicks? My wyandotte just went broody a few days ago. I don't want to get any new chicks or eggs. I have 4 chicks in a brooder still that are about 7 weeks old. Any chance she'd take them? Do I slip them under her at ight and then check on them first thing in the morning?
This would solve my integration problem if she took to them. If not,she will be getting broody jailed this weekend.

 

[Dharmachick]

I don't think so but it's worth a try. I think they might be too big but the procedure is to stick them under her at night. I usually stay for a bit to make sure they are alright.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The chicks are more likely going to be the problem, they're past the average age of being weaned. It's like grabbing a bunch of 20 year olds and asking if they'd like to move back home to be babied.

 

[Dharmachick]

I had a non broody hen adopt weaned 9 week olds. It could happen.

 

[Harmoni]

The chicks are more likely going to be the problem, they're past the average age of being weaned. It's like grabbing a bunch of 20 year olds and asking if they'd like to move back home to be babied.

Lol that was what my husband thought too. But the last time we hatched under a broody, they stayed with her until 13 weeks

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree some broodies mother longer than others, and last summer I had a cockerel that was under his mothers wing at night until he was bigger than she was! good grief

But it is not just the broody hen, the chicks have to be willing too, and 7 week old chicks that do not have a mother, will not get that under her is a safe place to be.

Mrs K