October hatch "Grow-a-long"🐥

[SwampPrincessChick]

I just came up with a solution to what I’m going to do with this last batch of chicks, since I haven’t sold any yet.
I need to get them out of the house and there’s really not much space in the outdoor brooder right now with the mob. I can make it work, but it will be a bit crowded especially as they get bigger. I have two older birds in my tractor right now which I’m trying to sell. If I get the birds sold that will free up that space.
Himawari just went broody so I think it might not be too late to try to give them to her. I have a sectioned off space of the coop I use for integration. They could be in there at least temporarily. Do you think giving her all 11 would be too many? She did a great job with Kai, who is now rather dejected that her mama just wants to sit on the nest box all day!View attachment 3307242View attachment 3307240

Silkies are great moms, I think it would be fine

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Silkies are great moms, I think it would be fine

Thanks!
I know they’re great moms, I just think 11 might be too many for her. She’s only raised one chick before.

 

[kurby22]

I just came up with a solution to what I’m going to do with this last batch of chicks, since I haven’t sold any yet.
I need to get them out of the house and there’s really not much space in the outdoor brooder right now with the mob. I can make it work, but it will be a bit crowded especially as they get bigger. I have two older birds in my tractor right now which I’m trying to sell. If I get the birds sold that will free up that space.
Himawari just went broody so I think it might not be too late to try to give them to her. I have a sectioned off space of the coop I use for integration. They could be in there at least temporarily. Do you think giving her all 11 would be too many? She did a great job with Kai, who is now rather dejected that her mama just wants to sit on the nest box all day!View attachment 3307242View attachment 3307240

I think that’s a great idea! I gave Fuzzy 6 Polish chicks, 2 d’Uccles, and 3 ODs all at once as a first time momma and she did super!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Oh and by the way welcome to BYC
@SwampPrincessChick! Happy to have you join us!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I think that’s a great idea! I gave Fuzzy 6 Polish chicks, 2 d’Uccles, and 3 ODs all at once as a first time momma and she did super!

I’m going to give it a try, I don’t have much time before it gets dark here. My only concern is that chicks may not attach to her because they are already 6 days old, but we will see!

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

Thanks!
I know they’re great moms, I just think 11 might be too many for her. She’s only raised one chick before.

Do you have another Silkie hen that is good at raising chicks? Maybe you could have her raising the chicks as well?

Oh and by the way welcome to BYC
@SwampPrincessChick! Happy to have you join us!

Thank you!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Do you have another Silkie hen that is good at raising chicks? Maybe you could have her raising the chicks as well?

No, Himawari is the only one that I’ve had raise a chick so far. I’ve been breeding Silkies for a couple years now but I always hatch them in the incubator so that they can be vaccinated against Marek’s disease and then off to their new owners by the time they are a week old.

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

No, Himawari is the only one that I’ve had raise a chick so far. I’ve been breeding Silkies for a couple years now but I always hatch them in the incubator so that they can be vaccinated against Marek’s disease and then off to their new owners by the time they are a week old.

Then I guess you'd have to go with Himawari raising them. Unless you find another way.
Hoping she accepts the chicks!

 

[CloneFly]

Awe! Luv em!

Here's two of 'em

 

[MotherHen999]

Looking at all the photos got me like "how many chickens can I have before my husband notices" ... I think this is how chicken math works