Is it safe to say she's adopted these chicks?

[mtma]

We have 9 two-day old incubator chicks that we gave to our 6 yr old broody hen tonight. She took all 9 and is talking to them. One has its tail sticking out from under her wing. Can we go to bed and be hopeful for a pleasant night for them? Her box is not ground level so I blocked it so she can get out but chicks can't. We can take that cardboard out in the morning, just don't want them wandering away at first.

 

[AidKD]

I guess you can wait and see, but I'd say so!

 

[mtma]

Update: in the morning all 9 chicks were snug under momma, and she then started showing them how to eat, etc. Yay!!!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Update: in the morning all 9 chicks were snug under momma, and she then started showing them how to eat, etc. Yay!!!

I would have suggested removing the heat lamp.. but you did well..

She looks perfect!

And so do your/her babes.

 

[mtma]

I would have suggested removing the heat lamp.. but you did well..

She looks perfect!

And so do your/her babes.

Thank you! We only had the heat lamp there the first night in case we had any escapees who didn't take to having a mother.

 

[Lor]

Awww. Glad that worked out for you. I bet Momma hen is happy.

 

[mtma]

Awww. Glad that worked out for you. I bet Momma hen is happy.

So happy! She's waited 6 years for this, lol.