Hen adopts 3 month old cockerals.

[Dharmachick]

I have a 2 year old Chocolate Orpington hen who suddenly decided to take over the 8 week old boy chicks that my bloody was done with. They are now over 3 months old, and she sleeps on them and feeds them and worst, still attacks other chickens who come near the boys. Is this in any way normal? What should I do?

 

[Dharmachick]

Broody, not bloody.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Helicopter Mom I’ve never seen a hen that attached! @EggSighted4Life ? @Wyorp Rock ?

 

[Dharmachick]

She didn't even hatch them!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've had that happen multiple times.
I currently have a hen who wasn't broody but took over a brooder with about 30 four to six week old chicks.
About 3 years ago, another hen put herself into a brooder house with about 40 chicks of various ages. I think I have a picture somewhere.
Another time I had a lone cockerel about 10 weeks of age. I put six, one week old chicks with him. After he stopped freaking out finally being with other birds, he adopted them and would attack my hand every time I reached into the brooder.
I really think he was thrilled to have friends after growing up alone with a mirror and feather duster for company.

 

[Dharmachick]

Lol, that's hilarious!

 

[casportpony]

I have a few hens that do this too.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I've had that happen multiple times.
I currently have a hen who wasn't broody but took over a brooder with about 30 four to six week old chicks.
About 3 years ago, another hen put herself into a brooder house with about 40 chicks of various ages. I think I have a picture somewhere.
Another time I had a lone cockerel about 10 weeks of age. I put six, one week old chicks with him. After he stopped freaking out finally being with other birds, he adopted them and would attack my hand every time I reached into the brooder.

I'd love to see that pic!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have a 2 year old Chocolate Orpington hen who suddenly decided to take over the 8 week old boy chicks that my bloody was done with. They are now over 3 months old, and she sleeps on them and feeds them and worst, still attacks other chickens who come near the boys. Is this in any way normal? What should I do?

Pics... or it didn't happen!

Thanks for all the shares, I have not yet experienced this kind of wonderful (and possibly frustrating) hilarity.

 

[Dharmachick]

No pics, she started doing it after I took them to my mom's. My phone with the pictures on them broke, so no pics.