Have my hen raise my new chick?

[Flippacase]

I might be getting a new baby chick soon. I already have a hen that is laying. What i was wondering is if i could give the baby to the hen to raise, instead of kepping it all alone in a brooder.
The hen is a RI white, and the chick will be a barred rock, if that makes any difference.

Thanks

 

[Flippacase]

anyone?

 

[Kittymomma]

Sorry, but no. The chances are good that she'll kill it. Often (but not always) you can sneak a day old chick or several under a broody but other than that most hens won't accept a chick. I've heard that silkies sometimes will, they seem to have a very strong mommy instinct, but a RI white hen is more of a production hen.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Unless your hen is broody, I wouldn't risk putting it in with the hen. She may peck it to death.

I'd keep it separate. Can you get another baby to be with it? It won't do well alone.

 

[Flippacase]

no, I'm only getting one, but i already have a brooder, and it isn't really an inconvenience, i was just wondering if i could "kill two birds with one stone" Oh well

probably not the best analogy.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Give the baby a mirror then, so it doesn't feel alone.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
Feather dusters and puffy hats are nice too. If at all possible I'd pick up at least one more. They do better with a buddy and it will make it easier when the time comes for them to go in the coop with the big girl.

 

[chickeypeep101]

They like stuffed animals too. Just not precious ones unless you want to wash it a lot.

 

[TriciaHowe]

I agree 2 is better than 1. Just one and you are likely to be driven crazy by a very lonely and loud chick....

 

[The Sheriff]

Get two! Or get over to my house and take Big Mac, the crybaby, who hangs out in my office.

Mary