putting chicks under a broody

taprock

Crowing
12 Years
Nov 1, 2010
1,999
236
286
Northern L.P. Michigan
I had 3 broodies in the coop and bought some chicks to put under them. I waited until last night in the dark to replace the eggs with chicks. This morning I checked on them, all the babies underneath the moms. I saw one mom peck at a baby who popped out. They have not taken them for food or water. How long should I give them to be accepted? The babies were about a week old and I don't want them to die if they don't get water soon enough. Just looking for opinions on when to intervene.
 
She probably pecked at it to keep it under her. If she had rejected it, it wouldn't be under her. She may keep them under her until tomorrow, or she may take them out to eat and drink later today. Give her time. Remember, they can live for up to 3 days on just the yolk. It's natural for her to keep them under her at first. To her, they just hatched and need to dry off.

If you do decide to intervene, I'd see if I could gently encourage her to let them out and go to the food and water.
 

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