Momma hen took chicks onto main roost. 1 month old

[MarkJr]

Shoved chicks under broody hen a month ago (6/5/20) and she has been training last three days but winding up in nest box.
Tonight it looks like the real deal. Took her half right smack out of the middle, chick under her (I think) chick under each wing and one on top of her back.

Whoever likes brooders and introducing chicks to a flock is crazy. Momma hen is the ONLY way to go! Leave her in general population and she does all the hard work.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What a good mom.

 

[MarkJr]

Is it known not to get grouchy with mommas chicks??? So far, two other girls on the perch are giving PLENTY of room.

 

[Justso]

Agreed! Now I only wish they had a switch somewhere under the bustle to turn on the broody when you need it...

 

[MarkJr]

That particular hen goes goofy broody mid/end of May.

Set your watch by it.

She’ll set on a tennis shoe. I’d swear by it.

 

[MarkJr]

All aboard!!!! Kinda like watching a clown car fill up stacking all these guys onto the top roost.

 

[MarkJr]

If someone would just kick grouchy’s butt... everyone could be comfortable on the top roosts. But...... chickens will be chickens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Agreed! Now I only wish they had a switch somewhere under the bustle to turn on the broody when you need it...

Yup, I had one go broody about 2 months before we were going to get chicks (too early!) and the most recent went broody once the chicks were about 4 weeks old (too late!)

My current chicks still roosted themselves in slightly over 4 weeks without a mama to show them, just having the hens to show them was enough.