Is it too cold for chicks under a broody

[nparks]

I’d like to get some new chicks sooner than later and I currently have a broody hen. I’m in Michigan where the temps are still in the 20-30s and possibly dropping a little lower in the next week or so. I’d keep my broody and chicks in the coop with the others. Is it too cold still for the babies even with a broody mother?

 

[sylviethecochin]

It's probably not too cold, but is she a first-time broody? How long has she been broody? What size of chicks?

 

[nparks]

She’s a first time broody. And only for a few days. So I know I should give her some more time on the best before I give her babies. But the forecast is still showing cold weather for a couple more weeks. I’m planning on getting only a couple day old chicks if possible.

 

[red horse ranch]

She may be able to keep the chicks warm but they have to get out and eat and drink. That's where they can get chilled. I keep my brood hens separate with a small heat light so the chicks can get out and move around.

It's possible she may not accept the chicks so be prepared to raise them yourself.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Keep an eye on her, since she's a first-timer, but no reason to not try. I like to keep my broodies separate from the flock for the first three days. Prevents the chicks from getting lost or falling behind as mum wanders around.

If you feel that the hen would be better off with a heat lamp, go ahead. My experience is that the most important factors in brooded chick health are dryness of the surrounding environment, cleanliness, and readily available food.

 

[aart]

She’s a first time broody. And only for a few days. So I know I should give her some more time on the best before I give her babies.

Grafting works best if they have been broody for at least a couple weeks...
.....and the chicks are only day or two old.
If she accepts them... then yes, she can keep them warm.
I had a broody with chicks in polar vortex temps...worked fine, but wouldn't do it again.

 

[nparks]

Thanks for the input! I think I’m going to hold off until we get some warmer weather and for one of my older experienced broodies to b ready! It’s just always hard to resist baby chicks at this time of the year!