Newbie questions about slipping chicks under a broody- PICTURE ADDED.

[Judy]

Hopefully, when you put them under her, everyone will just shift around a little to get settled, then go back to sleep. I'd be there at dawn the next AM as well, to see how it goes when they start stirring around. It should not take a lot of time to find out how it will go. She will peck them a bit, if only to identify them or move them around; it's not necessarily aggression. Heck, they may do that to tell the chick who is Mama, I don't know. But you will know if it is real aggression.

I'm betting it will go fine, and she will think the store bought eggs hatched during the night!

Although I'd be there half the day anyway, to watch and play with them!

I'm staying subscribed; let us know.

 

[FingerLakesChick]

My broody girl, Harriet.

 

[FingerLakesChick]

OK DDawn! I'll keep updating.
Thanks again.
Wonder if DH can build a cot out in the coop for me? LOL. Poor guy.

 

[FingerLakesChick]

Uh oh!

I went home at lunch time to check on things and Harriet had moved from the new nesting area back to the old one that's up high! Eeek! Should I have kept her locked in?

Not only did she move, but somehow she broke one of the eggs and her under side is covered in yolk! So I took her out of the old box and put her outside for a bit.

I cleaned up the mess and then placed her back (locked in now). I gave her some treats (spinach,grapes,cheese) and she did eat some. After a minute or so, she settled back down on those eggs. Should I be worried? Seems she prefers the old nest? Or she got out of the new one and then just went back to the old out of habit? Hmmm????

 

[Ridgerunner]

She went to the old out of habit. Keep her locked up and she will be fine.

I don't know if you plan on letting her raise them with the flock or plan to keep them separate. Different people will advise you different ways. Either can work, depending on the circumstances and the hen. If you plan on letting her raise them with the flock, I'd keep her locked up for a couple of days with the chicks. She'll then associate that with home and probably take them there at night. Or she might just decide to stay on the ground with them. Never can be sure what she will do.

 

[FingerLakesChick]

Phewwwwww!

I'd like for her to raise them with the flock so SHE integrates them and SHE protects them. My thoughts are keeping them all locked inside the crate for a week or so, then opening up the door one nice Saturday and let her take the lead.

Sound good?

 

[akanalynnn]

I'm attempting to do the same thing as you tonight... *fingers crossed*

I'm a SAHM though so i can monitor pretty closely.

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Do you have the crate covered with a blanket? If you make the crate dark, she won't be as likely to want to run back to the other spot.

Make sure she is getting up to move though, so she goes poo, otherwise she'll poop the nest.

 

[FingerLakesChick]

Good luck Akanalynnn! My fingers are crossed for you!

How many and what kind are you slipping in?

Mrs. Puff - great idea about the blanket - thank you!
Also, I do make her go outside a few times a day to move around, flap her wings, drink, dig - whatever she wants. Usually after 5 mintues or so, she heads right back in the coop. I also have food and water available to her inside the crate.

Thanks.

 

[arwmommy]

I have done this many times! We have 2 babies right now that are a few weeks old out with their "adopted" mama. I will say that you should be ready to teach them how to get under her to get warm. For some reason, all the chicks we have ever had under broodies seem not to know how to do this for a couple of days. Tuck them under her tail and push them forward till they are under her. I think I did this probably 3 dozen times that first day or two... but then they get it!

Also, my broody would occasionally peck at a baby the first 24 hours to get them to get UNDER her, so I have had to learn not to get too worried about that, even though I have always kept a very very close eye on them.

I will tell you it is a ZILLION times easier than brooding babies in your house!

Good luck