Hen fostering chicks ?

[JessaLynn]

I recently put our broody Buff Orpington hen with our 3 wk old chicks to see if she would foster them.She hasn't attached them but doesn't seem very interested in them either.We have 8 chicks hatching the 21st and want her to care for them so was trying to see how she would react to the older ones before we made the decision.Any suggestions or should I just hand raise them myself and not bother?

 

[Eastins Eggs]

The three week old chicks are to old, your hen just sees them as other small chickens. She may foster your newly hatched chicks. Put them under her in the late evening, however if she isn't broody she may not except them so be ready to remove them and brood them yourself.

 

[JessaLynn]

Thanks for the tip.Will try wish me luck