HELP!

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bjry

bjry

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I have a pair of Silkies and a broody Orpington. I decided to just leave the Silkies eggs in with the broody chicken and to my amaze this morning I woke up to a chick! There are 3 more eggs in the box but since its pretty chilly now in Montana, and I was afraid that some of the other chickens would harm the chick, I brought it in the house. Now I feel bad because it seems lonely. Should I bring the hen and the rest of the eggs in the house or just wait until they all hatch? I really did not think the eggs would hatch, I should have waited until spring :( Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
I could do both. I just am worried now that I brought the chick in what the hen will do if I bring them all in? Will she still accept the chick? This is my first time having hatched chicks. I thought about leaving them out but do have several other Hens and a Rooster and not sure if they will get picked on.
 
I'd put her and eggs by them selves if possible. Idk if she would take chick back they do adopted other chicks so maybe
 
Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

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The younger the chick, the better her chances are of taking it back. So, if you are going to try, sooner would be better. I would just keep a close eye on them to make sure the transition back goes smoothly.

Honestly, a good mama will keep her chicks warm, no matter what the weather, and will also protect her chicks from other members of the flock. But ultimately, you need to do what you feel most comfortable with.
 
trailrider330 said:
Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

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The younger the chick, the better her chances are of taking it back. So, if you are going to try, sooner would be better. I would just keep a close eye on them to make sure the transition back goes smoothly.

Honestly, a good mama will keep her chicks warm, no matter what the weather, and will also protect her chicks from other members of the flock. But ultimately, you need to do what you feel most comfortable with.
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I agree. I have not had any problems with my flock attacking or even pecking newborn chicks - I'm not sure they see them as a threat. My current batch is now 6 weeks old and they are now getting an education in chicken manners, but its nothing but a gentle peck here and there (the little boys seem to need more education than the girls because of their arrogance / cheekiness).

Personally i would return the chick to the mother but closely monitor the behaviour of the rest of the flock towards the chick but as stated by tailrider330, you should do what is best for you. Nothing is cast in stone and we all have different ways of doing things.

All the best
CT
 
Thank you all so much for your advice. I am returning baby to the hen. I will keep you posted! BTW this is such a great site/community!
 
She started to peck at the baby so I brought it back in the house. I didn't want to take any chances.
 
Oh No!
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sounds like you are going to have to raise it. I suggest you go to a feed store and atleast get one or two other chicks so that it won't be lonely and just make a small brooder and start raising them yoursellf. Too bad the mom wouldn't take it back
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Wish you the best of luck
 

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