Introducing an old hen to new babies.

[ChickenHaver774]

We've had chickens for quite a while, and yesterday we got our second batch of babies, (our starter chickens were already young adults when we got them, had just started laying). Last April, one of our original batch got sick and we have been caring for her specifically. She doesn't walk around much, but otherwise, she's pretty healthy. What I was wondering, was if it would be a good idea if I put her in with the new babies we got yesterday. The babies are only a few days old, and I wonder if it would be good for them to be with an adult chicken who likely wouldn't go after them.

 

[azygous]

Unless you know what's making her sick isn't contagious, don't risk exposing the chicks.

If you know for sure her illness is non-contagious, you can try her with the chicks with a barrier to see what her attitude is. I've had my share of older hens that went on the adopt the chicks after being around them for a week or so.

 

[ChickenHaver774]

Unless you know what's making her sick isn't contagious, don't risk exposing the chicks.

If you know for sure her illness is non-contagious, you can try her with the chicks with a barrier to see what her attitude is. I've had my share of older hens that went on the adopt the chicks after being around them for a week or so.

Her initial affliction was a mite infestation, which she is now free of. I suspect that, at this point, she doesn't move much due to some kind of muscle atrophy, but I'm not sure. She is at least 10 years old at least, and the area we keep her in has plenty of space for her, she just doesn't do too much but sit there most of the time. I also think her eyesight isn't great anymore either. One of her eyes is usually about half closed, and she isn't too responsive when I put food near her. Her eyes look clear when I look into them, but I'm not entirely sure how well she can see.

 

[Yardmom]

Normally a hen will only adopt chicks when broody. This is done after the mother has sat on eggs for a couple of weeks, and the babies or only days old.
If she has a history of broodiness it can up the chance of her having motherly instincts, but generally speaking putting chicks with a random hen does not work.

 

[ChickenHaver774]

Normally a hen will only adopt chicks when broody. This is done after the mother has sat on eggs for a couple of weeks, and the babies or only days old.
If she has a history of broodiness it can up the chance of her having motherly instincts, but generally speaking putting chicks with a random hen does not work.

I don't remember her ever being too broody. I'll at least put her in the box with the chicks and a divider, just to see how she reacts, but I won't count on her being too motherly. Thanks for the info.

 

[Chicken poppy]

We've had chickens for quite a while, and yesterday we got our second batch of babies, (our starter chickens were already young adults when we got them, had just started laying). Last April, one of our original batch got sick and we have been caring for her specifically. She doesn't walk around much, but otherwise, she's pretty healthy. What I was wondering, was if it would be a good idea if I put her in with the new babies we got yesterday. The babies are only a few days old, and I wonder if it would be good for them to be with an adult chicken who likely wouldn't go after them.

So heres my thoughts.

1. Don’t let her near them unless you are completely certain she is not sick. Chicks have a less powerful immune system and are more fragile.

2. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn’t, lets say she tolerates them and isn’t mean. They will likely get attached and cry out for her. This can cause some drama due to the fact she may not always want to be with them. My Japanese hen is doing very well with the chicks and seems to be teaching them some things even, but keep in mind they are 4 weeks old and they previously had a mom that unfortunately died. They are well aware she is not their mom but still use her for guidance. My other hen tolerates them but pecks them if they are to close or bother her, though it’s very gentle, they are the same breed and same age.