Picking up chicks tomorrow, Preferred mom just went broody. Too early?

[HUGEPurplePuppy]

So I pick up chicks tomorrow. The only hen (a little over one) that has reared a chick *just* went broody. She wasn’t yesterday, but now she’s hissing at me and tucked an egg I have under her. She did a great job rearing the chick (she was 8 months at the time)

There are a few other broody hens, one (same age as one above) that when she hatched some immediately rejected the chicks, one that (same age) has no experience, and another that hatched in January.

So is it too early for her to accept chicks if she just got broody? Who would you recommend trying next if it is?

Also gonna attach picture of miss mean mom who looks amazing as a brooder, but apparently hates the idea of babies lol, and the one time mommy with her (not genetically) baby. Just for fun.

 

[FeatherTay]

Sure go ahead! Introduce them at night and then watch for awhile. It should be ok, but I’ll tag @aart for backup.

 

[HUGEPurplePuppy]

Sure go ahead! Introduce them at night and then watch for awhile. It should be ok, but I’ll tag @aart for backup.

Thankfully in this instance I’m a night-shifter (and have the next couple days off), so I can monitor for a while if I’m still unsure.

When I got her to tuck an egg under her I was so happy, the one I was going to try to give them to broke her brood, and Momma showed no sign before.

I just hope it holds until I get babies under her. I really don’t want to have to hand rear these

(note that I’m fully aware and prepared to do it if I have to, but I really rather not have to)

 

[Ridgerunner]

I know many people on the forum talk about first time broody hens and how horrible they are. That's not been my experience. I've had great success with first time broody hens, some problems too. I've had problems with experienced broody hens, even hens that were very successful with their first time hatching and raising chicks. While many people consider broodiness history of utmost importance I pretty much ignore it as far as first time broody.

Some hens will accept chicks even if they have only been broody a day or two. I had one fight another broody to take her chicks away from her so she could raise them, she she had only been broody 2 days. Some people have had issues with getting a broody hen to accept chicks even if they have been broody a full three weeks. Each hen is different and each time is different. You don't get any guarantees.

You don't say how long any of the others have been broody. That could be good information to have. While it is possible a hen that just turned broody could accept new chicks, I do think them being broody longer would improve your odds.

Without knowing how long they have been broody my first choice would #3 or #4, whichever has been broody longer. My next choice would be the other. If #2 were my only choice I'd try her but because of her history I'd probably try #1 as my third choice.

 

[amandamoore1394]

I have had lots of luck using my Silkies as foster mothers. However, with that being said I usually put mom and chicks in the "nursery" away from the rest of my flock. Even if they are not ready to stop sitting, the chicks still have a place to stay warm. The hen in my experience may sit a few days even after all eggs are removed and the chicks arrive, but no worries as long as they can get to mom and fresh food and water. She will be showing them what chicks do in no time.

 

[HUGEPurplePuppy]

I know many people on the forum talk about first time broody hens and how horrible they are. That's not been my experience. I've had great success with first time broody hens, some problems too. I've had problems with experienced broody hens, even hens that were very successful with their first time hatching and raising chicks. While many people consider broodiness history of utmost importance I pretty much ignore it as far as first time broody.

Some hens will accept chicks even if they have only been broody a day or two. I had one fight another broody to take her chicks away from her so she could raise them, she she had only been broody 2 days. Some people have had issues with getting a broody hen to accept chicks even if they have been broody a full three weeks. Each hen is different and each time is different. You don't get any guarantees.

You don't say how long any of the others have been broody. That could be good information to have. While it is possible a hen that just turned broody could accept new chicks, I do think them being broody longer would improve your odds.

Without knowing how long they have been broody my first choice would #3 or #4, whichever has been broody longer. My next choice would be the other. If #2 were my only choice I'd try her but because of her history I'd probably try #1 as my third choice.

Number 2 and 3 a few weeks. Number 4 about 4-5 days maybe.
And I suppose number 1 could technically have been broody since Saturday, as I work nights and saw her… actually she may have been broody…she jumped out of the box not long after I came down. I think I may have even had a thought wondering if she was broody, but dismissed it. Maybe she was just getting food?

If who I tried first rejects them at I okay to try the next choice the next night?

That’s how they got me last time. Hiding eggs and being completely away from the clutch when I came in and gave treats. I’m actually not sure who hatched the chick #1 raised, as when I found it it was going between #1 and a different hen; both were protecting it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If who I tried first rejects them at I okay to try the next choice the next night?

You can certainly try.

 

[bantamsrmyfav]

Good luck..I just started working nights at my new job for about a week. I like it better than days so far. Thinking about getting a couple mille fleur d'Uccle chicks for my broody mottled bantam cochin hen but still have to ask the hubby