I gave my broody some chicks... but some might be too old?

[MKandtheforce]

I bought some chicks to give my broody today. They were slightly different ages-- five ten-day old leghorns, and two four-day old Polish Cresteds.

I didn't realize how big the ten-day olds would be. I managed to stick the two little Polish chicks under Chewbacca (my broody), but the leghorns went off and made a pig-pile. Are they going to stay warm if they sleep like that? Will Chewbacca take them in? The little coop they're living in is pretty open to the outside air (they won't get rained on, but it still might get a bit cold at night). Should I try to stick them under Chewie, or will they be all right as-is?

 

[red horse ranch]

I bought some chicks to give my broody today. They were slightly different ages-- five ten-day old leghorns, and two four-day old Polish Cresteds.

I didn't realize how big the ten-day olds would be. I managed to stick the two little Polish chicks under Chewbacca (my broody), but the leghorns went off and made a pig-pile. Are they going to stay warm if they sleep like that? Will Chewbacca take them in? The little coop they're living in is pretty open to the outside air (they won't get rained on, but it still might get a bit cold at night). Should I try to stick them under Chewie, or will they be all right as-is?

I think the chicks are too old to accept HER. You need to get them in a brooder with heat or they will die.

 

[JekkaLynn]

I think if you pick then up and pile them near her you might be okay. Depends how cold it is were you live and if the chicks snuggle into her once you move them over to her or if they wander off.

 

[MKandtheforce]

I went out again last night and took each leghorn and shoved them under Chewbacca... this morning, I went out to check them again, and they were all in a pig pile together! I guess everyone accepted each other!

 

[JekkaLynn]

Yaay! Good mommy chicken accepting all those babies!