Mixing chicks

[GambleFamilyHomestead]

I have two one week old chicks that I hatched and 4 chicks that hatched today under a chicken. He have 1 hutch for them and we do t know if the mom would accept them. Would she kill them? Or would she be able to recognize them?

 

[Fishsticks06]

I have two one week old chicks that I hatched and 4 chicks that hatched today under a chicken. He have 1 hutch for them and we do t know if the mom would accept them. Would she kill them? Or would she be able to recognize them?

Well she could have strong mothering instinct in her, so she might take in any chick at this time. I don’t believe a mother hen would kill chicks, that wouldn’t make sense. You can try to integrate the 1 week old chicks with her, see what she does with them.

 

[gtaus]

I have never hatched chicks in an incubator or with a broody hen. I am just signing on to follow this thread because I hope to raise my own chicks either in an incubator, or more preferably with a broody hen.

 

[Cryss]

Keep an eye on her if you try it. Hens have been known to accept them. They also have been known to kill them. Just monitor closely.
@Texas Kiki any thoughts?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Well she could have strong mothering instinct in her, so she might take in any chick at this time. I don’t believe a mother hen would kill chicks, that wouldn’t make sense. You can try to integrate the 1 week old chicks with her, see what she does with them.

Sorry I beg to differ on the hen killing chicks ... It's happened, read it here, somewhere. It would depend on the hen, some are fantastic and will take on others. It's been recommended to put the adoptees under the hen at night and I think the age difference maybe an issue.

You may want to update your profile with your location, helps finding those in your area when asking for advice ....

@Pyxis @EggSighted4Life @Mrs. K @sylviethecochin

 

[sylviethecochin]

I don’t believe a mother hen would kill chicks, that wouldn’t make sense.

Yes, she would. I had one broody eat her own chicks, another that scalped the chicks of others, and a hen that killed two golden laced wyandotte chicks when they got out of their run and tried to eat with her brood.

 

[sylviethecochin]

A hen might or might not mother new chicks. The age difference makes it especially uncertain. It's best to introduce new chicks while the eggs under her are still hatching; after that, the hen memorises her chicks pretty quickly.

I would give it a try, but be prepared to pull the chicks out rapidly if the mother starts to peck at them.

 

[Kiki]

You won't know if it will work or not until you try it.
Don't try it until you have plenty of time to sit close by and observe.

 

[hkirchn]

Some very good advice here, be very watchful if you integrate the chicks!

 

[GambleFamilyHomestead]

Sorry I beg to differ on the hen killing chicks ... It's happened, read it here, somewhere. It would depend on the hen, some are fantastic and will take on others. It's been recommended to put the adoptees under the hen at night and I think the age difference maybe an issue.

You may want to update your profile with your location, helps finding those in your area when asking for advice ....

@Pyxis @EggSighted4Life @Mrs. K @sylviethecochin

The chicks I think are doing well I put them under her at night in the hutch when I moved them all. She is sitting on them and showing them how to eat it is so fun to watch. This was a good experience and so fun to watch.