Help for young broody

[flakey chick]

Well it seems my little EE has decided to go broody and she hasn't been laying that long. (Started about mid January). I only have 2 bantam girls, but would like a couple more. I planned on slipping eggs under the first to go broody, but I think she is just too young and maybe just practicing. (BTW I really planned on having more than 2 girls- ordered 10 chicks. The 5 BR were all kind of sickly from the get-go. They had trouble standing/walking and I watched 4 of them die one by one as I did my best to keep their butts clean. The EEs flourished, but only 1 was a girl. I swear its not my fault.)

What should I do about giving my girls more company? Could I try to get some local day olds in a week or 2 and graft them? Here are my issues:

I really want to stick to bantams but its not so easy to just pick up at a feed store. I don't trust her to hatch out fertile eggs because she is so young.

What would you do?

 

[bigzio]

If you wanted to give the young broody a chance and she didn't stay broody long enough for a hatch, then the only thing you would be out is the number of eggs you provide her.

If she stays broody, and you have a hatch, it will be worth the effort.

I agree that chickens are a flock bird, and love to have alot of company, even if they don't act like it sometimes.

bigzio

 

[flakey chick]

Well, she was just practicing and she is off now. The good news is I found a local feed store that will be getting bantams. If one of the girls is broody when the bantams come in, I might try to graft a few. Either way I will be ready to brood a few babies inside until they are big enough to introduce.