I've screwed up and need advice!

[Chris & Mary's Kids]

We have some problems that arise from not having a "proper" chicken coop where newly-hatched chicks are safe -- just a barn with a few nesting areas that are not very safe for the babies (not protected from predators, danger of falling, etc.) (Please don't scold me about that -- we're doing the best we can.) The chickens are totally free range. We had two moms 'setting' side by side. Our plan was to move them with eggs and babies to brooders at some point close to delivery date. (Our experienced neighbor had done this with us in the past and made it look relatively easy!) When I tried to do it -- after procrastinating for too long and a few chicks were already hatched -- the moms went ballistic and I fear they injured some babies, because they subsequently died. We got one mom, several chicks and eggs moved to a brooder. A few days later I found a new chick in the brooder, separated from mom, leg dangling through the half-inch hardware cloth in the more open part of the brooder, and looking dead, but not. I didn't know whether I should leave it to live or die on its own; try to place it near the mom and risk the ballistic scene again; or take it in the house. In the end I took it in the house, and it is doing just great. BUT... I feel like it needs to be with its siblings and mom, but I don't know whether she'll attack it. I don't know what to do. I need advice, and I hope someone else can learn from my sorry tale. Thanks in advance...

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd try putting it with the other chicks and the hen, probably slip it under her at night and observe them when they wake up the next morning. You are dealing with living animals and there is no telling what will actually happen, but I think your chances are pretty good. You should be able to tell within a few minutes of them waking up if there will be a problem or if she will accept it.

 

[aank4]

I agree with slipping it in at night; less chance for trouble. Keep a watchful eye, and you should know quickly, as the previous poster said. I agree that chicks need snuggle buddies - so if you can get the chick back in with its siblings, all the better.

 

[California Ducken]

Well, I have 1 broody and 1 non broody. My non broody hen accepted and cared for any chick you put under her. My broody doinked (pecked) the heads of the chicks that she knew wernt hers.
Then all of the sudden 2 weeks later they both decided NOT to be moms anymore and started doinking the heads of all their chicks, and also jumped on the chicks holding them with both feet and pecking them. I grabbed up the hen popped her out of the cage and pulled all her chicks! One had bloody ears and he is fine now.
This all just happened a few days ago. So it may be a subtle peck on the head, but if she does it........all the Back Yarders told my to "get the chicks out or she will kill them all!" So I did.
Good Luck!

 

[Chris & Mary's Kids]

Thanks to all who responded! We tried it with the chick I was talking about but I guess she'd been away too long because she wasn't seeking out the hen -- kind of avoided her. So we put her with some chicks my neighbor has in a brooder. We had better luck with another chick whose mom is still sitting on eggs. I appreciate your advice!