Mixed batches & Broody Mamas

[mamachickenfarmer]

I have two sets of chicks being raised by two different mamas currently in the same small coupe. Set number one is a first time mom with three, 3week old chicks. Set number two is a second time Mom (Betty) with seven, 1 week old chicks. Bette seemed to abandon the rest of her clutch of eggs once the seven were born. I handled them and threw four of the ones that looked viable into our incubator that was already running.

One of Betty’s chicks hatched this morning. Two more are likely coming tonight. Can I pop these new chicks under Betty at night time? Will she accept chicks that were hers, but our one week behind her current set? I’m willing to try, but I don’t want her to harm them in the process.

If I try to sneak them under her, should I do them all free at the same time or one at a time as they hatch?

She is a black Cochin, so she has plenty of space under her for more chicks.

TIA!

 

[sourland]

Hens are biologically programmed to leave the nest within 36 hours of the first chick hatching - this is why staggered hatches cause problems. MOST hens imprint on their chicks within the first 24 hours and after that regard others as intruders to be attacked. If you try to foster any new chicks to her monitor closely. Good luck.

 

[mamachickenfarmer]

Hens are biologically programmed to leave the nest within 36 hours of the first chick hatching - this is why staggered hatches cause problems. MOST hens imprint on their chicks within the first 24 hours and after that regard others as intruders to be attacked. If you try to foster any new chicks to her monitor closely. Good luck.

Thank you for this insight! I was hoping that because she is already paired up with another mama and others that are weeks ahead, that she would handle new additions better. Does this play any role for her? Or does it not matter?

 

[sourland]

All will depend on her temperament. Hopefully she has super mothering instincts.

 

[ChickyWhicky]

I have had this problem with staggered hatching. I took the new hatches and popped them under mama at night time in complete darkness. Just lifted and scooted them right under her. She never knew the difference, next morning they were part of the group.
I have actually done this in broad daylight. Kind of distracted her and literally took babies out of my pocket and slipped them into brooder. She didnt know the difference.
Maybe I just have super mamas, but I have done this pretty regularly with 2 hens always sucessfully. Worth a try!!