Trying to make mom hen adopte youger chicks

[VPerfeito]

I have 2 mama hens. One of them had her 4 babies 4 days ago, the other one had her babies today (not all of them, still waiting for more). It would facilitate immensely if the first hen adopted these new chicks. Today I tried to introduce a young chick to the first hen but she started picking on it. I don't like the thought of sliding the chicks under her at night because I think, when she wokes up she will notice because they communicate differently from de orders. Any ideas on how can I make this relationship work? Thank you

 

[50-45-1]

It is best if you add new chicks after dark.
That way the hen and chick get acustomed to each other over the night, the sounds and smells become normal.
Adding the new chicks during the day is immediate and stark as there is no gradual introduction.
I had a case of stagered hatch last year, that spanned 3 weeks and 3 different broody hens.
I add every new chick to the broody of choice after dark and each morning all was well.
Good luck!

 

[VPerfeito]

I have read about introduncing them at night and it makes total sense. One the order hand I fee that the hen kills the chicks once she realize they are not hers

 

[50-45-1]

So, you tried during the day and it did not work.
Try to give her one tonight and give it a try. I believe it will work out better.
After her 4 chicks are a week old i would not add new borns to that brood. The size differance and activity levels of chicks of those ages are to largely different.
Keep us updated!

 

[VPerfeito]

So, you tried during the day and it did not work.
Try to give her one tonight and give it a try. I believe it will work out better.
After her 4 chicks are a week old i would not add new borns to that brood. The size differance and activity levels of chicks of those ages are to largely different.
Keep us updated!

I will do that thank you!!...what are the odds of success?

 

[50-45-1]

Good
Make sure i understand...you want to take new chicks from under broody number 2 and place them with broody #1 who has 4, 4 day old chicks already?
Caution...Any chicks hatched after next monday will be a full week younger than her origional 4, and i would be very careful. Small new chicks with rambunctious 7 day olds, may not survive the commotion.
Let us know how it goes.