Let Mother Hen Look After Them

[Booswalia]

Hi,

I've had three hens for almost two years now and one of them is constantly broody. I would like to stick a couple of chicks under her some night and let her raise them. Can this be done and if so...

Will she protect them from the other two hens?
How would I feed the chicks?
Am I out of my mind?

Thanks.

 

[Booswalia]

Nobody?

 

[Frannabelle]

I had one broody accept 2 chicks, but the other time I tried it , I had to get the chicks out of her way quick, she did not want them

So, give it a try, but be there to monitor for a few hours.

 

[RL]

This can be done, but a few things have to fall into place for it to work. First it's going to depend on the Hen if she will accept them or not. I have one hen I can do this with, but most I have not been able to -Timing plays a big roll here.

You need to make sure the hen has been sitting at least 21 days. You then want to get the youngest chicks you can day olds would be best, but not more then 3 days. I like to place the chicks under the hen early in the morning like 4am, this way you are not out there all night long waiting to see if the hen is going to accept them or not.

When placing the chicks try not to use any lights - a dim red light is okay if needed.

To place the chicks cup the chick in your hand to cover the chic, with the back of your hand facing the hen -this is to protect the chick so the hen pecks your hand and not the chick- slide the chick under the hen. Wait a few seconds to see what the hen does and then repeat with the rest of the chicks. Then watch with no light even the dim red one.

The hen is going to figget a bit and the chicks will too. This is the time when you will find out if the hen is going to accept them. She will either freak and try to get rid of the chicks or she will just maybe do nothing or peck at the chicks a bit. Try not to interfear unless it really gets bad. There is going to be "What the hell is going on here" noises from the hen and chicks making racket, but they should settle down for the rest of the night. If they quite down you can leave them until sun up and then check on them again. it will either work or it wont. I would go into more detail, but I am out of time. Good luck.

 

[Booswalia]

Thanks RL. I appreciate you taking the time to explain it to me. Would I be better off to get some fertile eggs to put under her maybe?
Also, what about food. How does that work?

 

[RL]

Letting the hen hatch the eggs is always the best way. The drawback to hatching is you don't know what gender you will get. As for feed and water you can get a chick feeder and waterer -is that the correct spelling for that word?- from the feed store or make one and get some chick starter feed, one that has at least 18% protein. I like to use 20% myself. The hen can eat this feed as well. Momma will teach the chicks all they need to know.

 

[Booswalia]

Thanks RL. I'm going to be bringing home some fertile eggs this afternoon so wish me luck.
I use organic mash to feed the hens now. Could the chicks eat that as well. It's 18%.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
This is all very good advice and just what I would do... only one thing added (or emphasized) the pre-placementt time... the full 21 days is fine but it is crucial to let her sit, for at least, 14 days... hormonally this gets her to just the right mommy-mode... and let her actually sit on eggs, either infertile or even fake eggs... the egg shapes under her trigger something in her. I place a baby (cupped hand, as said above) remove an egg... place a baby, remove an egg... etc. And all this done as low key and quietly as possible.

Good luck with your your fertile eggs! And, NO, you are not out of your mind... try the adoption thing some time, with an experienced mom... it is great fun also!

edited to add... mommy should take good care and protect the babies (I think the is all hormonal also) and she will teach them how to eat and drink... just provide fresh water and chick starter (mom can eat this also).

 

[MareeZoCool]

If she is broody and you place those chicks under her while she's sleeping at night. She just might believe they are hers, and bond with them. If she accepts them, you won't need to worry about feeding those chicks. Momma hen will teach them everything they need to know about being chicken. And you will be fascinated watching the adorable troop!