putting 5 week old chicks with a broody??

[storminstaffs]

Is it possible or will she just attack them, i've had the 2 chocolate ophs and 2 cream legbars in my bedroom since they were a day old and my silkie has been broody for a few days on non fertile eggs, so would she take chicks this old?

 

[shaggy]

Quote:
i think 5 weeks is a little late to try to attach chicks to a broody

 

[Lollipop]

Most hens will eat`em up unless they are 1-3 days old and the move is made at night. I don`t think you have a chance.........Pop

 

[storminstaffs]

thanks for letting me know, they'll have to stink my room out for a few more weeks before moving to a coop as the choc ophs are slow feathering

 

[Ridgerunner]

I pretty much agree with Pop. At 5 weeks of age, most broodies would be thinking it is about time to wean them, not take them on. I think you will be better off getting her some fertile eggs and not trying to get her to accept these.

I can understand the desire to get them out of your house and let a broody take care of the integration issues. If you want to, you can put them in a cage near her and observe. See if she acts like she wants to mother them, kill them, or ignore them. Silkies with their broody instinct can be weird. I still don't think you have much of a chance, but you can try.

 

[storminstaffs]

Quote:
not allowed any more fertile eggs, i've got 3 due to hatch on the 31st in with another broody

will just keep them in my room, i'd rather nothing happened to my choc orphs