My Broody Hen hatched a Chick! What should I do?

[Harun]

When did the chick hatch? How many eggs remained unhatched? Did she leave the nest with the chick on her own? Why did you separate her from the flock?

The chick hatched either this morning or last night. This was the only egg that hatched. She did leave the nest with the chick on its own. I separated her from the flock because I was preparing to bring them home with me and furthermore to test if she’d stay with her baby. Her mind is set on sitting on eggs that are most-likely not fertilized because the Rooster hasn’t mated her in a while. Also, when she’s away from the nesting basket inside the coop she starts squawking very obnoxiously.

 

[cmom]

Every broody I have ever had was different. For years now I don't let a broody sit on eggs. When I'm ready to hatch they go into an incubator. I'm a meany and make the broody get out of a nest box. Some don't like it and some get out when they see me coming because they know I'm going make them get out of the nest box. Again, good luck...

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Did the chick hatch today? If so, the chick is not yet strong enough to follow mom, yet her instincts told her to return to Her safe place, not the new safe place you designated for her. How did mom get back to the coop if her and chick were separated?

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

The chick hatched either this morning or last night. This was the only egg that hatched. She did leave the nest with the chick on its own. I separated her from the flock because I was preparing to bring them home with me and furthermore to test if she’d stay with her baby. Her mind is set on sitting on eggs that are most-likely not fertilized because the Rooster hasn’t mated her in a while. Also, when she’s away from the nesting basket inside the coop she starts squawking very obnoxiously.

Oops saw you answered question After i posted.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I think her instincts are telling her she still has eggs that need to hatch. And she is following her strong instincts to return to where those eggs are. Its not really about her neglecting the one chick or being a bad mom.

 

[Harun]

Did the chick hatch today? If so, the chick is not yet strong enough to follow mom, yet her instincts told her to return to Her safe place, not the new safe place you designated for her. How did mom get back to the coop if her and chick were separated?

She just left the cage I set her in, the door was open.

 

[Harun]

I think her instincts are telling her she still has eggs that need to hatch. And she is following her strong instincts to return to where those eggs are. Its not really about her neglecting the one chick or being a bad mom.

That's understandable. I was thinking we should keep it under the hen until it can walk, but my family is already in agreement on bringing it to the house and setting up the brooder.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

The only problem with bringing the chick inside is lone chicks usually dont thrive. Chicks dont need moms to thrive, but they do need other chicks. (Thats why artificial incubation is so sucessful). If u dont think any other eggs will hatch, would maybe be good idea to pick up a few feedstore chicks for company. The minimum is usually 4, but you may be able to persuade them to sell u less if you explain your dilemma. I know the situation is stressful right now, but hopefully you soon figure out a solution that works for all concerned. Then you can enjoy your chick(s).

 

[Harun]

The only problem with bringing the chick inside is lone chicks usually dont thrive. Chicks dont need moms to thrive, but they do need other chicks. (Thats why artificial incubation is so sucessful). If u dont think any other eggs will hatch, would maybe be good idea to pick up a few feedstore chicks for company. The minimum is usually 4, but you may be able to persuade them to sell u less if you explain your dilemma. I know the situation is stressful right now, but hopefully you soon figure out a solution that works for all concerned. Then you can enjoy your chick(s).

I do have store-bought chicks at my house. 3 Barred Rocks, 2 Dutch Bantams, and 2 Cream Legbars.
Edit: They are of a greater age though.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Ok good as long as the store bought chicks are not too much bigger/older, that should work fine!