Please advise if this is viable? PICS ADDED, POST 24

[bigstack]

Good point! No, I did not see the Location. My bad!!

 

[Kittymomma]

I haven't done it, but have read tons of thread where folks were sucessful putting chicks under a broody hen at night. I would supervise of course, but given you're dealing with a silky (broody queens that they are!) I think there is a very good chance that things will work out fine.

 

[technodoll]

THE MISSION IS A HUGE SUCCESS!!

The five chicks arrived an hour ago (3 are two days old, 2 were born yesterday), we gently set them under and around mama silkie and she clucked gently while the babies all scooted right under her, at first she looked a bit bewildered but then she connected with the chicks right away and set to work!

She looks like one giant pancake

The stressed-out peeping babies went quiet right away once they were under her, it was miraculous.

Checked them a few mins ago, everyone is doing very well - am so pleased!

I think it's a match made in heaven - she needed babies and they needed a mom

 

[Kittymomma]

Outstanding!!

Now for the important stuff.....Where are the pictures??!!

 

[mayabear13]

Totally wonderful! Hooray!

 

[technodoll]

I'll get pics tomorrow, right now everyone is still adapting and trying to find their place...

I'm not sure mama knows what to do, she's pushed herself in a corner so the little peepers have trouble getting under her, a few are running around crying - I had to up the heating lamp to 175W to keep them warm but mama hen is panting, SHE's too warm - GAAHH!

She's not getting up to eat or drink or anything, all she does is cluck and watch the babies, she lets them peck her face and stuff - is this normal?

The cochin that was born yesterday isn't opening its eyes more than a tiny crack, if at all - is this normal?

 

[Kittymomma]

It doesn't sound like a good thing, but I haven't had a broody yet so I'm not sure. Hope this gives a bump so someone with more knowledge will see it and help.

 

[tnchickenut]

She might not have them under her because she is hot... or she might not have them under her because she has rejected them.

Test it by taking the heating lamp off... Stay there nearby! If the chicks start to chirp like they are cold and she lets them under her... she accepted them... if not - take the chicks out and brood them. She has rejected them. (and don't forget to put the lamp back where it was for her)

 

[technodoll]

She was just hot and a bit nervous yesterday, I guess!

All was fine by last night (I kept going to the garage to check), the babies were out exploring after a well-deserved rest while she supervised, when they peeped mama Blossom would roll a bit on her side and life up her wing and try to scoop them under her

Everyone is so calm and relaxed this morning, it looks like all the chicks ate and drank, everyone's up with eyes wide open, curious and tumbling around. I took mama outside for her poop (she won't mess the brooder box), all she wanted was to get back to her babies. She's much more comfortable with them now, last time I looked she had a chick perched on her head and four more crowded around her, pecking at her face and snuggling.

Pics are coming!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Congrats! Gotta love a good broody! (although I haven't had one yet)