Slipping chicks under a first time broody pullet.

[RodNTN]

How are the chicks?

 

[temple1612]

How are the chicks?

Better than I could hope for. I bought 3 other chicks to be a part of the family. So now is 1 BLRW, 2 Jersey Giants, 1 white Silkie, 1 Partridge Silkie, and 2 Blue Silkies. They really like the heating plate vs the heat lamp. I can really tell a difference in the behavior of the chicks.

 

[RodNTN]

Aww, sweet! Are they in a brooder?

 

[temple1612]

Aww, sweet! Are they in a brooder?

Yep.

 

[dunnmom]

I'm planning on trying this next time I have a broody hen. I was going to try hatching eggs, but I just want pullets. I've heard it usually doesn't matter if the chicks and hen are the same breed. Is that true?

 

[temple1612]

I'm planning on trying this next time I have a broody hen. I was going to try hatching eggs, but I just want pullets. I've heard it usually doesn't matter if the chicks and hen are the same breed. Is that true?

Breed does not matter. I have had a broody hen hatch out 6 different breeds at once.

 

[RodNTN]

Yep.

They look so snug Great setup!

 

[stuckinthecity]

First- I'd like to say that along with many great things that have come with the mega update to BYC I absolutely HATE that you can't view all pictures in a thread on the sidebar that used to be present.
I used to scroll through here for hours just looking at pictures that way. lol

Second- it's a hit or miss kind of thing. It depends on breed of hen, her temperament, etc. If she was rather high strung or seemed loopy compared to your other hens-I wouldn't. If you think she might make a good momma, might as well try it . Just watch her closely and be prepared to rescue those babies if necessary!!! Knock on wood, but I've never had a hen reject chicks when I've put them under her at night. She can't see the "intruders"...only can feel and hear them. By dawn, she's used to their peeps and is now clucking away. I got a little carried away today and placed new chicks under a banty first time mother pullet. She's like 8 months or so. She did not like what was under her and took her a good 2 hour before she took them. I had to cover her nest box and let her get used to them being under her. Now she's a happy lil bantam with a brood to raise!

 

[stuckinthecity]

pics!