Hi All, My son is getting 6 5 day old chicks from his school today. Are they too old to fool my broody? She's been sitting on eggs for what seems like forever. I could just let her go, but chance her hatching nothing then. I could try to make the switch and put the eggs in the bator, but then I interfere with her process. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks! Carol
Unless your broody is an exceptionally good mother and really wants those chicks, chances are she will hurt them severely. Chickens usually DO NOT take care of chicks that are not thier own. They bond with thier chick while it is still in the shell, as they can hear the chicks peeps before they hatch. Now, that being said.......I have had a han take over another hens chicks before.......strangest thing I ever saw. But, please be careful if you try it. poor little peeps wont know what hit them.
Thanks, it certainly isn't my intent for anyone to get hurt. I have read on here before about people swapping out eggs under a broody for day old chicks with great success at night when she can't see. I would do that, but I didn't know if 5 days old was too old to try it. As always, I would watch-she is in a crate in my sunroom- even with her own peeps to ensure she didn't reject anyone. Thanks! Carol
I put my 2 red sex links with my golden duckwing pair together and they all are fine together. the hen doesnt even sit on eggs but lets the chicks sleep under her.
I know- the rest are out in the coop, but I separated this broody when one of my leghorns kept "taking over for her" for a day or two at a time. It is kind of cool being about to watch her so closely. Whitehallgamepullet- how old were they when you did it?
I have done it with 2 day olds and a 3 day old successfully- It might work if done during the earllly morning- and you watch closely to be sure its going well