Slipping chicks under a first time broody pullet.

[temple1612]

I have an 8 month old pullet who has gone broody. I have 3 newly hatched chicks (3-5 days old) would it be okay to slip them under her or are they be too old for that or her be too inexperienced for that?

 

[Lamaremybabies]

You can try, usually within three days is best, but it’s worth a shot.

 

[temple1612]

You can try, usually within three days is best, but it’s worth a shot.

Is there a minimum amount of time she should be broody for before trying?

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Is there a minimum amount of time she should be broody for before trying?

Not that I’m aware of. It’s best to make sure you do it at night and keep an eye, they don’t always accept chicks.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Definitely night time... but keep an eye out for a good few minutes afterwards... sleepy broody should tuck the babes under her... and make sure there aren't any eggs under her when you put the chicks under her.

 

[sourland]

Especially with a first timer, the longer she has been broody, the greater the chance she will foster the chicks. Good luck. I have never had a hen that was broody for at least 2 weeks reject chicks.

 

[2MorrowsDream]

I have an 8 month old pullet who has gone broody. I have 3 newly hatched chicks (3-5 days old) would it be okay to slip them under her or are they be too old for that or her be too inexperienced for that?

I had a similar situation. I had a large coop that I separated with chicken wire so each could look at each other, but not actually touch. I left them this way gor 3 weeks. After that I let them all out (at the same time) to free-range.when it was time to put them up, I removed the partition and all has been well since!

 

[song of joy]

Is there a minimum amount of time she should be broody for before trying?

It's best if she's been broody for at least 2 weeks and the chicks are no more than 48 hours old.

When fostering chicks, slip the chicks under her at night, using as little light as possible. Listen to make sure she isn't pecking them. If all is quiet, check them again at daybreak to make sure she has accepted them. While this often works fine, other scenarios include: 1) the hen ignores the chicks, or 2) the hen attacks the chicks. In either case, you need to be ready to intervene immediately.

 

[song of joy]

@temple1612 - How did it go?

 

[temple1612]

@temple1612 - How did it go?

Turns out she wasn't broody.