Introducing Older Chick to Broody Hen

[chickeneer45]

I have a five week old silkie chick that has been living alone in the brooder for a week and I have a broody hen. Three chicks hatched today, and I was wondering if I could try integrating him in with the other chicks... What are people's opinions on this? I am not so much worried about him being rejected by the mother, but of him being a bully to the little baby chicks that he is around... Let me know your opinions. Thanks.

 

[Judy]

You won't know how it will go unless you try it -- so I would supervise, which is a bit tricky because it's best to put new chicks under a broody at night.

 

[ChickieG'ma]

You won't know how it will go unless you try it -- so I would supervise, which is a bit tricky because it's best to put new chicks under a broody at night.

x2 I gave 3 additional chicks to a broody who had 2 which were one week old and she did fine. Because of the advisability of supervision I did it in the evening while there was still some light and she accepted them so well I just left them with her for the night. If you do it after she's asleep be sure to check on them early in the morning in case there is a problem.

 

[ChickieG'ma]

I'm sorry, I should have said the broody's chicks were new and the chicks I added were one week older.

 

[Dawns Funy Farm]

a five week old chick? i really dont think she will accept it . i think she will more likely attack it to keep it away from her new hatched chicks . maybe a pen next to each other so it feels close to the flock and the babies get a little older.
,