trying to intro chicks to broody NOW

[Trishkabob]

we're trying to intro chicks to a broody and we took the first one to the nest box and tucked it under her and...NOPE. Not having it. She tried to peck, hard, at the little one. So, we took it out but are wondering if we should try again with another one. We read we should intro one at a time to see how it goes, then if good, add the next. But maybe they are too old ? Is 5 days too old?
Any suggestions? there are 2 others in the flock in nearby nestboxes-maybe we need to wait until they leave?
thanks.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Honestly I think 5 days is too old. But if you want to try again do it at night. Chickens get kinda lethargic at night and it's the best time to introduce each other as they will be less lively.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I would try it again at night in complete darkness. Five days might be too old, and you might just have a hen who isn't keen on fostering. But I've seen hens adopt much older chicks, so it's worth a shot!

How long has the mama-to-be been broody?

 

[Trishkabob]

she's been broody for over 2 weeks. We weren't sure about doing it at night in case something happened but I guess, given how quickly she went for the little one, you find out fast if it will work. And 5 days may tip her off that something is wrong...
We'll be out tonight but maybe we will try again when we get home.
Thanks.

 

[Aunt Angus]

she's been broody for over 2 weeks. We weren't sure about doing it at night in case something happened but I guess, given how quickly she went for the little one, you find out fast if it will work. And 5 days may tip her off that something is wrong...
We'll be out tonight but maybe we will try again when we get home.
Thanks.

I've done this successfully a few times. I usually go out after 10pm when it's REALLY dark. I sneak in to the coop and one-by-one put the babies under her backside and take out any eggs.

If things are going well, you should hear mama make clucking noises to the babies, and the babies chirping happily or trilling in response. If it is NOT going well, the hen will be silent and will start pecking HARD at the littles. In my experience, a quiet mama is not a good sign. She should make cute little mama clucks. I've had to take babies out and try again on more than one occasion.

I always sit in the coop with them for a while - like an hour or two - and just listen. Then I try to get some sleep, set my alarm for before sunrise, and go out again before everyone wakes up. The babies should be under mama and happily sleeping.

Just be prepared to raise them yourself if things don't go as planned.

 

[Justso]

Some hens are just mean, I had one like that. She was not a good mother.
Try taking away the eggs from under the hen when you place the chicks. Good luck!

 

[Trishkabob]

ok, we'll try that. We can't go into our coop-we have to reach down into the nest box from above, which, of course, chickens don't like. Above means danger.
And she gets annoyed immediately and puffs up. But we can do it late tonight and prepare to get comfy nearby.

 

[Trishkabob]

oh yeah, forgot to mention that we did take one egg (golf ball) away as we put the single chick in. And they are in the brooder now so we can easily raise them the way we've done before if Pearl still says NO!

 

[SnootyHen]

I've done this successfully a few times. I usually go out after 10pm when it's REALLY dark. I sneak in to the coop and one-by-one put the babies under her backside and take out any eggs.

If things are going well, you should hear mama make clucking noises to the babies, and the babies chirping happily or trilling in response. If it is NOT going well, the hen will be silent and will start pecking HARD at the littles. In my experience, a quiet mama is not a good sign. She should make cute little mama clucks. I've had to take babies out and try again on more than one occasion.

I always sit in the coop with them for a while - like an hour or two - and just listen. Then I try to get some sleep, set my alarm for before sunrise, and go out again before everyone wakes up. The babies should be under mama and happily sleeping.

Just be prepared to raise them yourself if things don't go as planned.

Thank you for this! I have a broody that I am about to pull the bait and switch on and this was great info!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thank you for this! I have a broody that I am about to pull the bait and switch on and this was great info!

Getting mamas to adopt is one of my favorite things to do. I hope it works!