So I have one hen that has been determined to get into the brooder enclosure everyday since the chicks got moved outside. I often find her in the area, I am now leaving their dog kennel door open so they can run around their brooder set up. I have put this bird in with the chicks a couple times to see what she does. I am trying to assess her desire to be a mom or if she is just curious about their food and water. The first time I let her in she was going for food and water, so I pulled it. She didn't do much, didn't call the chicks to her either. They stayed clear that first time. The second time I let her in and didn't pull the food and water. Of course she ate and drank, but the chicks came up to her. They all just stared at each other. Yesterday, she got in, so I observed for a bit. She ate and drank, let the little chicks pick some food off her beak. She did try pecking at one on the head, twice while she was scratching around in their brooder, they ran up to see what the commotion was and she bopped them on the head. I have not let her stay in. I have never had a broody and given her chicks, only let a broody hatch. Can someone with more experience give me some tips on what I should be looking for to see if she might be a surrogate. Here was one thought, she doesn't seem overly mothering to them, meaning, she isn't calling them or doing the pecking at food and calling them. So I am leaning more towards she is just being mishevious and wants their food.
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