Tips For Raising Store Bought Chicks With A Broody

[Camilladavisss]

I have a broody hen and have chicks on the way that are supposed to arrive this Thursday. I am planning on seeing if my broody hen will take too the chicks. Each spring she is always broody and I want to give her a chance at raising babies. As soon as I get the chicks I plan on introducing them to her. I have already moved her to a quite location with a nest where she is sitting on unfertal eggs. She went to sitting on the nest as she would if she was in her original nesting box. Any tips? I am new too raising chicks with Broodies any advice will help

 

[Aapomp831]

Do you know when she started sitting? You want to time them to go under her as close to 21 days as possible... she may not accept them if it’s too soon.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Some recommend sneaking them under when it's dark, others just introducing them to your hen...whatever method you choose, I would suggest hanging out a while even if things look good so you can get those babies out at the first sign of trouble. Things like the hen acting stressed, pecking at or backing away from the chicks when they try to get under her. At worst she'll injure them or not keep them warm so they chill.

 

[Chicalina]

Night time is the best time. I'd put one under every hour. If she tucks them under her that is a good sign.

Then get up the next morning at first light (when she wakes) and go check on them. Sit with them for an hour and watch. Give her food and water and see if she clucks to them. Remove the eggs at that point..

 

[bobbi-j]

When I have put store bought chicks under a broody, I did it at night, all at once with as little fuss as possible. Low light, quietly reach under, take eggs, tuck in chicks.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I have a broody hen and have chicks on the way that are supposed to arrive this Thursday. I am planning on seeing if my broody hen will take too the chicks. Each spring she is always broody and I want to give her a chance at raising babies. As soon as I get the chicks I plan on introducing them to her. I have already moved her to a quite location with a nest where she is sitting on unfertal eggs. She went to sitting on the nest as she would if she was in her original nesting box. Any tips? I am new too raising chicks with Broodies any advice will help

How did everything go with your chicks?

 

[Camilladavisss]

How did everything go with your chicks?

She didn’t accept them so I put them in their brooder but then a few weeks later she became broody again but she had her chance