Introducing foster hen to chicks?

[bradleyjpyle]

Is this advisable or even possible to introduce what I would want to be a mama hen to the 20-ish chicks I'll be hatching?

I've got 4month-2 1/2 year old hens, uncertain what ones "best"

My experienced layers are barred rocks.

Should I get my Queen Hen (dominant one) and give them to her so she will defend them?

 

[sourland]

Only a broody hen will accept and mother chicks. Any non broody will peck at and could even kill chicks.

 

[bradleyjpyle]

Well that's problematic

If the hen squawks when I take her eggs but doesnt insist on staying nest close enough to "broody"?

 

[bradleyjpyle]

Can I force my queen hen to stay on her eggs then swap in the chicks?

 

[sourland]

Realistically, you can't force a hen to go broody. Allowing her to build up a clutch of eggs may help spark broodiness - MAY HELP.

 

[Texasmja]

You can not force a hen to be broody, she decides when it happens. And if you have a broody hen later you let her sit for a couple of weeks before putting chicks under her (and do it at night). The reason she needs to be sitting for a few weeks before introducing the chicks is to make sure she is serious. You will know because she will only leave her nest once a day to poop and eat and run right back. I had a red sexlink hen go broody this year and I put 12 chicks under her and she raised them all.

 

[bobbi-j]

Agreed on the above posts. Broodiness is a hormonal thing. You can't force it. If you want to hatch out chicks, you should plan on raising them without the help of a hen. Maybe you'll get lucky and have one go broody, but don't count on it.

 

[bradleyjpyle]

So ditch the idea of foster hen?

What about one of my 4month old hens. How do you think that introduction would go?

 

[Texasmja]

So ditch the idea of foster hen?
What about one of my 4month old hens. How do you think that introduction would go?

I wouldn't because you are risking her killing them and they need warmth. You are going to have to raise them this time.

 

[bobbi-j]

So ditch the idea of foster hen?
What about one of my 4month old hens. How do you think that introduction would go?

Yes - ditch the idea. It would not go well.