Help, different egg embryo ages.

[WVduckchick]

If I were to reintroduce either or chick, how would I go about it, and how would I get my chances of her accepting the baby up???

Again, much depends on the broody. Most folks recommend slipping chicks under a broody in the dark, so she can't see it. I slip them in under her tail. Then by morning, they have usually bonded enough that she will let it stay. I have also taken chicks to broodies in daylight, because I trusted the broody and wanted to watch the introduction, for the chicks safety. But that's more risky with a first time momma.

 

[sourland]

I see the possibility of problems with either suggested scenario, but have to go with the suggestion from @Ol Grey Mare. The earlier hatched chick may very well not imprint on her after being removed, but trying to foster the second hatched chick almost guarantees that she will see it is an 'interloper' and kill it.

 

[CherriesBrood]

I see the possibility of problems with either suggested scenario, but have to go with the suggestion from @Ol Grey Mare. The earlier hatched chick may very well not imprint on her after being removed, but trying to foster the second hatched chick almost guarantees that she will see it is an 'interloper' and kill it.

I think this is what I’m gonna do, thanks for the suggestion.

I’ll let everyone know what happens when I try this, and if she accepts them. Thanks everyone.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Really? So if she accepted the one I took away from her, then when the next one hatches she wouldn’t accept it?

Could be. But remember that chickens are stupid and that means that they can't read or use a PC. So they may not know what we think that chickens know. Try it if it is a last ditch situation then report back here with your findings.

 

[WVduckchick]

I don't think chickens are stupid.

 

[CherriesBrood]

Update: First one hasn’t hatched yet. It was supposed to hatch yesterday... I’m hoping it’s a late hatcher and it’s not dead. I candled it and it hasn’t broken through the air sac yet. If it is late then the chances of her accepting both chicks go up. If only one chick hatches then I’m gonna see if I can get two more babies for mama and slip them under her at night. Hoping all goes well.

 

[WVduckchick]

 

[CherriesBrood]

Update: The first embryo didn’t make it. It looked like it died in the first week, but when I candled it, it looked like it was forming normally.
Second egg is definitely alive and is due to hatch Thursday or Friday. Any suggestions on whether or not I should get some more chicks for mama?

 

[aart]

Second egg is definitely alive and is due to hatch Thursday or Friday. Any suggestions on whether or not I should get some more chicks for mama?

Might be a good idea, if you can get fresh hatched chicks, day old or less.
Always the risk she won't accept them tho...and you'll be back to the brooder scenario.

 

[WVduckchick]

I have had broodies hatch one chick and be fine with that! (I actually did it on purpose a few times because I had soooo many babies running around with different broodies) But if you want more, then you can give it a try. Like aart said though, the risk is her not accepting them.