Introducing a new chick to a broody hen

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Christina Callahan

Christina Callahan

In the Brooder
May 25, 2017
6
5
19
Central PA
Does anyone have any experience in introducing a day old chick to a broody hen that has 4 day old chicks? I had a late hatch and I am hoping I can just slide this one in overnight. Any chance it will be able to keep up?
 
The hen was hand raised by me so she doesn't mind me at all. She is a very good mother. So we'll see. My main concern is the chick being able to keep up with them. So far she doesn't take the rest of the chicks very far from the box and sits on them alot during the day. So, Hopefully this works out. I will let you all know. Thanks!
 
Christina Callahan said:
The hen was hand raised by me so she doesn't mind me at all. She is a very good mother. So we'll see. My main concern is the chick being able to keep up with them. So far she doesn't take the rest of the chicks very far from the box and sits on them alot during the day. So, Hopefully this works out. I will let you all know. Thanks!
Click to expand...

3 days difference shouldn't matter,
please, do let us know how this goes.
 
This didn't go quite the way I planned but all seems wonderful now. I went up just before dark to check the rest, close them all in for the night and add the chick. The hen and two chicks were in the box and 3 were out on the ground in the corner. They must have missed the escort to bed. So it was easy to tuck the new chick in and then tuck the strays in. She didn't even hesitate. She scooped them all up and made a puffy pancake right on top of them. I think tomorrow I will corral them so she can't take them too far until I see the newest is getting along.
 

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