Ok that did not go well…

[Micmac1234]

I put the baby chicks, one day old, under the broody and the second she saw them she pecked like crazy. I would put them under her from the back, one by one and she would scoot around anytime she heard them chirping and then again if one showed itself she pecked like a psychopath after it.

Unfortunately, I do not think that it was a “get back under me” peck but rather she’s a homicidal hen.

Does anyone think differently? Is this normal?

 

[sourland]

This frequently happens with first time mothers if the chicks are introduced during the day. The closer the setting hen is to 21 days, the greater the chance of adopting chicks. Putting them under her during the night so that she can bond to them overnight increases the chances of success.

 

[Micmac1234]

This frequently happens with first time mothers if the chicks are introduced during the day. The closer the setting hen is to 21 days, the greater the chance of adopting chicks. Putting them under her during the night so that she can bond to them overnight increases the chances of success.

Today is day 25 so we’re definitely at the 21 day mark. But I’m just worried about the morning… what happens if she hears them overnight or first thing in the morning and kills all of them?

 

[Micmac1234]

And I’m battling rats right now so I’m worried about the rats getting the chicks at night but they’re protected in the brooder box. And I don’t think I can’t move her into the brooder and put the chicks under her all at once