Placing hatchery chicks under a broody?

[DillardHome]

Hello BYCers!!

I ordered 10 EE chicks from Ideal due to arrive in the next couple days. I remember reading a post on BYC in the past about placing new chicks under a broody for her to raise, but I can't remember the details and can't seem to find it.

I currently have 3 broody hens (Japanese Bantam, Sumatra & a Silkie) that I have placed golf balls under. I recall the post suggested to place the babies under the broody at night and remove whatever she may be currently sitting on whether it's wooden eggs, golf balls, etc. so she thinks her eggs hatched.


Any advice or input??




Thanks in advance

 

[djennings]

That is way it is normally done. I would move which ever broody you plan on placing the fuzzy butts under to a safe place in case of other chickens being mean. After you place them under her after dark, keep an eye on her for a little while to make sure she accepts them. Good Luck, lets us know.

 

[DillardHome]

Quote:
Thanks for your reply!!

 

[DillardHome]

I'm wondering if I should divide the babies between two broodies.

Can one hen take care & keep warm all 10 babies??

 

[DillardHome]

Got my new babies this morning from Ideal. 8 EE Pullets & 2 EE Roos (let's hope they sexed them right

).

When it was dark we did the golf ball to chick exchange..lol. Slowly placing a chick under one of the broodies and taking a golf ball away. I divided them between 2 hens, one Sumatra & one Silkie. The hens seemed to enjoy having the little ones under them, so we will see for sure in the morning. Hoping all stays peaceful

 

[10 point]

good luck got my fingers crossed

 

[DillardHome]

^ Thank you!

SUCCESS!!!

Both mommas are doing great with their adoptive babies. It's an amazing thing that these chicks instinctively took to their new mom, since all they knew their first 2 days of life is egg tray, a shipping box and a brooder (just during the day until nightfall when we placed them under the broodies). They snuggled underneath the broodies last night right away. SO SWEET!

Not to mention, the receptiveness of the broodies with the new chicks made my life a little easier. No brooder cleaning or heat lamp adjusting

AND all I have to do is enjoy my new little cutie pies

 

[10 point]

so glad to hear it all turned out ok