hens and incubated chicks

[melllowyellow]

I have a hen that has been broody for a month but her eggs did not hatch. We had a rooster up to then but no longer. She doesn't seem to want to give up, but any eggs now are not fertile. I also have eight chicks that hatched from the incubator yesterday. Can I give those chicks to her or will she kill them?

 

[bakerjw]

Slip them in over night and see what happens. I believe that some people stagger them under their hens. i.e. a few each night. If she is determined then she'll likely take to them.

New hen mommas and chicks are the absolute cutest thins that there are.

ETA: clarification

 

[purpletree23]

Just what bakerjw said. I slipped 10 under my broody hen at night and only one perished. There is nothing more precious than a momma hen with her chicks. She will protect them like a wild cat but is as gentle as can be with them. When she takes them outside to "free range" in their enclosed area in the grass if she finds something that looks good to eat or when she wants them to follow her she makes different sounds.

Those 9 chicks were terrors to momma. When she would rest with them under her they would peek out and explore if they weren't too tired. They would walk on her back (some would tumble off occasionally) swing on her waddles and peck at her eyes. She put up with it all. I could sit for hours just watching her.

Who needs TV?

Good luck and enjoy!!

 

[dtsacbanty]

Quote:
Absolutely lovely!