Raising chicks using a foster mom

[5chickenluver7]

I want to add to my flock but start them as chicks. My city does not allow roosters so i will not get fertilized eggs.

But I have heard that you can use a broody chicken as a foster mom by sneaking the chicks under her when she is sleeping in the nest box. Has anyone tried this? Or is there a better way to do it? Any answer appreciated!

 

[RAWR]

oh ya, it works my best friend had chickens a while back and thats what they did lol
hatched out 13 chicks xD

 

[purpletree23]

The chicken you sneak the chicks under has to be broody. If she is not broody and ready for babies she will peck them to death.

If you do have a chicken that is broody you can always purchased fertilized eggs to put under her.

 

[Matt A NC]

Only do it if you can be there in the morning to watch what happens. Some hens will take them, others will not. I have 3 that I can give chicks to anytime of the day.

My best Buff Orpington, "Momma", will stand for me to put a chick under her. Once I have let go of the chick she pecks me to get me away from HER chick.

Matt

 

[RAWR]

Quote:
how cute!

and everyone thats replyed does have a good point

 

[5chickenluver7]

Thanks for the info everyone! My black sexlink, Bean, has been broody for 5 or 6 days now. But it is her first time being broody so i will not use her to raise the chicks. But my barred rock, Petunia, gets broody pretty often and is VERY protective of the eggs she sits on. She will be a great mother for my new chicks!

And i will do it on the weekend so i can keep an eye on them all day. Thanks for the help, i'll post pictures soon!