question about foster chicks for my broody

[bock]

I called about 5 different feed stores and finally found one with 2 day old chicks.

I am planning on getting one Buff Orpington and one Wydotte for my bantam cochin broody.My question is, should I keep them until night to give them to her, or just slip them under her when I get home? Oh yeah, and she is a first time broody, so I am not sure how she will react to chicks. Thank you!

 

[midget_farms]

first - she has to have been broody for a while. If shes been sitting for 3 days she will not be ready for chicks - she needs to sit for close to 3 weeks before she is ready - could probably get away with 2 weeks but not much shorter.

Night is always better. Chickens who are asleep don't remember how many birds were there when they went to bed so when there are more in the morning they don't notice.

That said - I have not heard of anyone having a problem slipping the chicks under in the day either - cant say if that is good or bad.

 

[willkatdawson]

I placed 8 day olds under my broody BO during the day. I had someone take her out of the coop for a bathroom break and when she came back she had babies!!! She loved it. Have you been letting your broody have eggs under her? I would take a few eggs laid that day and let her sit on them over night then replace them the next morning with fresh. This is a picture I took about 5 mins after giving her the chicks.

 

[jawinder]

I'm planning to do the same in 1 week, (sneak chicks under a broody hen) when 15 barred rock day-olds will arrive.
I'd love to hear how yours work out!
I'm waking in the night trying to figure out how to orchestrate it all!
My broody hens (2 buff orpingtons) nest in boxes that are about 3 feet off the ground. Should I give each hen some of the chicks?
Should I put the chicks up in the nesting box under them? If so, how will they get down to eat and drink? Should I try to convince the ladies to start nesting on the floor?
Do I need to separate them from the rest of the flock (19 other hens and a rooster)?

 

[willkatdawson]

I did move my broody to an enclosed area in the coop the day before I was going to get the chicks. It took her a little while to settle in. I had to keep showing her that I had moved her eggs too. She stayed in the closet with them for 2 weeks and then she took them out to free range. I think the mothers and chicks do much better if they can realx and not have to worry about the other hens and roos bothering them.
This is a pic of the closet in the coop. Not big but just the right size for a hen and chicks.