sneaking chicks under a broody

[Bandit]

My poor chicken has been broody for a long time. She is still devoted to her plastic egg but it will never hatch. If I sneaked a couple of new chicks under her in the night would she think they were hers and be their mom? Or would she try to kill them. She is a BO.

 

[Bandit]

I was thinking I could get a couple of Polish pullets and tell my DH that she NEEDS the chicks to quit being broody!

 

[jen5680]

I have done this many times and never had any problems. They all took right to them but ever chicken is different so you jsut never no.

 

[HudsonValleyGirl]

If you sneak some chicks, do it at night. When I was younger my dad did it. He always says that it is best to do it at night because the chicks with then have her sent.

 

[ky chicks]

I had a BO hen go broody (for the 1st time) just after I put 6 eggs in the incubator (also for the 1st time). I just snuck 2 chicks under her last night, and it's going well except that she is still sitting! She is fine with the new chicks, but wants more, so I'm putting the other 3 that hatched under her tonight. If that's not enough, I don't know what I'll do! I also asked for advice first, and I know some people have had their chicks killed by a broody. I took the chance and it's working out. Maybe it would be less risky for you to just get a few hatching eggs and let her hatch them? Good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

[Bandit]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.