Introducing a hatched chick to hen

[bainjanl]

I have a Red Star that went broody. She had 10 eggs under her (other hens kept laying with her). I put some in an incubator because I was afraid of them getting smashed (had that problem with a Easter Egger). First one hatched was in the incubator and I was able to put it under her. Then a couple hatched under her but she squashed them. A day later 2 more hatched in the incubator and I put them under her. She then abandoned the eggs so I put them in the incubator. 2 days later another one hatched. I put it under last night but this morning found her pecking it. So I removed it and another chick to keep it company. I am going to try again to put them under her. Will she accept both of them? I still have 2 eggs in the incubator that looked viable. Will I be able to put them under her? This is the first time in 4 years any of my hens have gone broody. I was around chickens growing up and do not remember ever having this problem.

 

[WoDia]

@bainjanl Since she has shown aggression toward newer hatchlings, it’s best to just let her care for the chicks she already has— rather than risk her hurting another one. The hatch is so staggered that she’s moved on and now focused only on the chicks she has. Continue to monitor mom and her chicks. Good move placing a hatch mate with the lone chick in a brooder. When the others hatch, you should have no issue placing the last hatchlings with them. Congratulations for all of your new little ones!