Placing Under Broody

[Jensownzoo]

Hi, All!
I'm just curious, my neighbour has decided to place chicks under my broody hen, so what precautions do I need to take? (will separating her be required?)
Thanks again, my Feathery Friends! ^^

I think it depends on your flock and your hen? I put three chicks under a persistent broody pullet a few momths ago without separating her. She was thrilled and I had no issues. The chicks did have a way to get away from any grumpy adults if mama was distracted--they could pop through the gap between door and wall panel of the converted dog kennel.

 

[Little Fuzzy]

I would like to try and put some fertilized eggs under my broody Wyandotte. My chickens were given a Mercks vaccine before I got them, so I'm wondering if the fertile eggs hatch, the chicks won't be vaccinated. from what I've read here you should not mix vaccinated with non-vaccinated. Should I just buy some vaccinated chicks instead of trying eggs?

 

[Shezadandy]

I would like to try and put some fertilized eggs under my broody Wyandotte. My chickens were given a Mercks vaccine before I got them, so I'm wondering if the fertile eggs hatch, the chicks won't be vaccinated. from what I've read here you should not mix vaccinated with non-vaccinated. Should I just buy some vaccinated chicks instead of trying eggs?

I've been in the same position twice now- hens were vaccinated at the hatchery before getting shipped as chicks, but the chicks they've brooded and raised were not -- so far no problems.

I know they won't vaccinate bantams for Marek's -- and I've had standards shipped with those bantams and not had any issues ...

Not an expert on this by any means but that's my experience.

 

[Little Fuzzy]

If I just wanted to slip some chicks under the broody, would you let her sit on the eggs for the full 21 days? could you just leave the fake eggs under her? She sits on them and doesn't seem to know the difference, other wise I would have to mark eggs.I would just like to take the real out everyday and leave her the fakes. Also I don't have a Roo.

 

[aart]

If I just wanted to slip some chicks under the broody, would you let her sit on the eggs for the full 21 days? could you just leave the fake eggs under her? She sits on them and doesn't seem to know the difference, other wise I would have to mark eggs.I would just like to take the real out everyday and leave her the fakes. Also I don't have a Roo.

You can use fakes....I'd wait at least a couple weeks,
make sure she's serious before giving her day old chicks.... if you can find them this time of year.
Might be easier to find some fertilized eggs than day old chicks.