How do I add baby chicks to hen

[Dixichick]

My hen just hatched a chick. One died while hatching 2 others never hatched. I want to add 4 day old chicks to her nest. Can I do that and what is best and safest way to do that? Please help!

 

[casportpony]

I usually slip them under the hen at night when it's dark, then keep an eye on them for a couple of hours and check on them first thing in the morning.

 

[MarkJr]

4 day old chicks might not accept her, especially if you’ve handled them a bunch.
Is the hen still on her nest? Simply slide them under her and wait. If she peck a and drives them away.... your answer is no.

 

[Dixichick]

Oops I’m sorry I want to add 4 chicks 1 day old. Thanks for help.

 

[MarkJr]

If she’s on her nest waiting, she should readily take them. Distract her from a one side and slide them under the other. Take all the eggs and shell pieces during the switcheroo.

Most suggest waiting till dark. My broody takes them whenever I decide to toss them under her. Last batch was 12..... after 3 days being broody..... at lunch time. They will set for a day waiting for the hatch. Make sure they are hydrated before the install.

 

[centrarchid]

Chicks are past optimal window, but it can still work. Introduce chicks directly under hen immediately after lights out. Watch for a bit to make certain she does not harm them. Then be watching real close when lights come back on as that is when hen will more likely be a problem. Even if she is mean to chicks at that time, not all is lost. I would then contain the chicks very close to her but where she can not peck them. Then put them back under her tomorrow night and repeat. If hen and chick bond, then all is good.

I have forced imprinting several times this year alone. It is easy.....

 

[Dixichick]

If she’s on her nest waiting, she should readily take them. Distract her from a one side and slide them under the other. Take all the eggs and shell pieces during the switcheroo.

Most suggest waiting till dark. My broody takes them whenever I decide to toss them under her. Last batch was 12..... after 3 days being broody..... at lunch time. They will set for a day waiting for the hatch. Make sure they are hydrated before the install.

 

[Dixichick]

Thank you all for replying. I went in her coop with box of chicks and she immediately started clucking at them. I took one out and set beside her chick she hatched and she scooted it over to her. while she did that I let other 3 out and she took to them right away just like a mother hen. All good. Whew!

 

[centrarchid]

There are ideal times direct introduction during day works well, as shown in link below.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...roody-hen-for-adoption.1363323/#post-22467117

OP's situation is not ideal.

 

[centrarchid]

Thank you all for replying. I went in her coop with box of chicks and she immediately started clucking at them. I took one out and set beside her chick she hatched and she scooted it over to her. while she did that I let other 3 out and she took to them right away just like a mother hen. All good. Whew!

You are not out of woods yet.