/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    Not a member yet? join BYC here & then introduce yourself in our community forum here.

how many chicks can my silkie handle?

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by kristysedai, Aug 8, 2014.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 8, 2014 #1
    kristysedai

    kristysedai In the Brooder

    18
    0
    32
    Jun 28, 2011
    We just got 17 silkie chicks and have them in the brooder. We are waiting to get rid of some when we find out if they are hens or roos. We have one silkie hen that is broody and I was wondering if we should let her take care of some of the chicks? If we should how many should we give her and how do we do it?
     
  2. Aug 8, 2014 #2
    ChickenCanoe

    ChickenCanoe Free Ranging 7 Years

    24,910
    7,855
    627
    Nov 23, 2010
    St. Louis, MO
    She probably couldn't cover 17 eggs but 17 chicks may be doable. I'd stick perhaps 5 under her at night and if she accepts them then add 5 more at a time.
     
  3. Aug 8, 2014 #3
    KuroKitsune

    KuroKitsune Songster

    625
    41
    113
    Mar 26, 2013
    Kansas
    how old are the chicks and how long has the broody been broody? has has the broody raised chicks before?


    if the chicks are more the 2 days old they might not take to her or her to them and she could kill/severely injure the chicks if she doesn't like them and if their to old they may not bond with her and wont see her as mom.

    if their young enough i say you could give her 4 or 5 babies and she should be able to raise that many well but i would watch her super close to make sure she fully accepts them as her own and doesn't try to hurt them.
     
    1 person likes this.
  4. Aug 8, 2014 #4
    kristysedai

    kristysedai In the Brooder

    18
    0
    32
    Jun 28, 2011
    She has been broody for over a year. If there are eggs she usually sits on them until we throw her off. She has never raised chicks. The chicks are three days.
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by: