Introducing chicks during brooding.

[Stillshotprod]

Another member quickly mentioned this idea (in passing) on another thread. I have some questions.

I have a six hen flock that I've been wanting to add new birds to. They haven't been very welcoming in the last two attempts so I've been holding off until it's time for a whole new flock.

However, one of the hens is now brooding (infertile eggs, if any). Can chicks be introduced into the coop during this time? Will she be the only welcoming hen, if any?

Will the other hens assume that the new chicks or "part of the family" or are they likely to attack?

?

Thank you.

 

[sheila3935]

She may or may not accept them. Best to do it at night. For awhile I would keep momma and babies separate from the others.

 

[Shanda]

You could get some fertile eggs and put under her and let her hatch them. Then when they hatch, put them in a separated area in the coop with a small gap in the bottom where the chicks can get in and out, but the bigger chickens can't get it. That is a very slow introduction.