Introducing a single hen and young chicks

[Spunky1]

When my single Orpington hen went broody I got her some fertile eggs to hatch as the easiest way to get her some new friends, but they haven't hatched! The only day olds I can get are RIRs and I'm not keen on them. But I may be able to get 4-8 week old chicks of other breeds. How easily is she likely to accept slightly older chicks, having just been broody?

 

[Pork Pie]

From what I have read, 4-8 week olds are likely to be too old for her to accept them.

Having said that, I have had an older hen that would quite happily baby-sit chicks hatched from other hens. I guess it probably depends on the age of the hen and her disposition / experience in raising chicks

 

[Lady of McCamley]

She won't likely accept anything other than very young chicks.

Most hens fledge chicks at 4 weeks of age.

Are you sure the eggs are all duds?
LofMc

 

[Spunky1]

She won't likely accept anything other than very young chicks.

Most hens fledge chicks at 4 weeks of age.

Are you sure the eggs are all duds?
LofMc

23 days and no sign of anything even starting.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

So you've candled and the eggs are clear?

If you haven't candled, do so now, tonight. You might be surprised.

If you see dark blobs with air space at the end, let them sit for another day or so.

LofMc

 

[Spunky1]

From what I have read, 4-8 week olds are likely to be too old for her to accept them.

Having said that, I have had an older hen that would quite happily baby-sit chicks hatched from other hens. I guess it probably depends on the age of the hen and her disposition / experience in raising chicks

Being an Orpington she's very calm and layed-back but these would be her first chicks, and I've never had any chicks while I've had her so she's never even seen any!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

...also day 1 is 24 hours AFTER you set the eggs...so you could be at day 22, well within things to progress.

Candle and see
LofMc

 

[Spunky1]

...also day 1 is 24 hours AFTER you set the eggs...so you could be at day 22, well within things to progress.

Candle and see
LofMc

The first one I picked up nearly rolled itself off my hand there was so much movement inside!! And as soon as I started telling my hen how clever she is... the egg answered back! There is the tiniest hole starting so obviously it's back under her and I'm certainly not moving her to see what else is happening. At the very least we will have one chick

 

[chickens really]

How did it go?.....Any Chicks yet?.....

 

[Spunky1]

No chicks. When she came out at lunch time I saw a second egg with a tiny hole but I didn't want to disturb them so didn't pick up any to look for others starting. I'm about to feed her and shut her in for the night, I'll see if I can see or hear anything else.