My broody silkie did not adopt day old chicks

[kjw1204]

Hi all. I have used a different silkie to adopt day old chicks in the past, SUCCESSFULLY. I've read all the tips and tricks and followed them.

Last night I did the same process with my 3 week broody silkie, who has never adopted before. She isn't taking to them. She's not breaking, and pecked a couple times. The babies just run back underneath her, which she allows.

How much time should I allow them to figure it out?

I moved her from their nest near the food/water and they are under her. She's sitting there unsure of life and pissed at me.

 

[sourland]

Has she ever raised chicks before ? It sometimes takes a first time broody a bit of time to figure out that they are 'hers'. As long as she is not injuring them give her time, but monitor closely. Good luck.

 

[kjw1204]

Has she ever raised chicks before ? It sometimes takes a first time broody a bit of time to figure out that they are 'hers'. As long as she is not injuring them give her time, but monitor closely. Good luck.

No she never has. She has been broody over 3 weeks. She's letting them crawl under her and on her, but isn't teaching them anything. I will give it time. At least they are warm. Thank you.

 

[NNYchick]

I agree with sourland, as long as she is letting them under her that is a good sign. Put food and water close for the chicks, My broody usually sit close to food and water the first week only moving for daily poo just like when sitting on eggs. Around day 7 they start taking the chicks around the coop and for dust bath.