How Do Hens Care For Chicks?

[aoxa]

I found this link through someone else here on BYC, I thought it was very informative - it is called Let Mama Do It. http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html

I thought this question was about broodies as well, but I don't think it is now. The OP mentioned that the hen has not even started laying yet.

Nothing better than letting a broody hen do the work though. Unless you want her to be productive, then it's inconvenient.

 

[ThePaintedHen]

I have given hens over 150 chicks this year. Never had one who killed or didn't accept them, though it can happen.



Given 20 chicks combined purchased from the feed store.


Given all but one of these chicks (she hatched one, had three eggs - the others did not hatch so I gave her all the silkies I hatched a week before her own hatched).



These two hatched one chick and were given 10 (combined).


Given 5


Given 3 chicks that were already 2 weeks old when none of her eggs hatched (she had a dozen eggs too).

ETA: I do find it much easier to introduce chicks if they have hatched at least one. Silkies are easier to add chicks if they haven't hatched any themselves.

My Orp was the most difficult to add to. She accepted them after 10 minutes and started clucking for them.

Oh aoxa, you sure do have some sweet mamas there!