When to give a baby chick back to Mama after an assisted hatch?

[sweettater]

I had to intervene when our hen (a new Mama to four other chicks) abandoned a troubled egg. She had moved to a new location nearer the feed & water, and we moved the egg to her, but she refused to take it. It was chirping and had broken through but couldn't do the whole thing so after much waiting, I finally intervened. That was yesterday evening, and now the baby chick seems fine. Happy, drinking and eating, although resting a lot.

Should I give the baby chick back to the Mama hen? When should I reintroduce her? Help!

Thank you!

 

[Johnn]

I had to intervene when our hen (a new Mama to four other chicks) abandoned a troubled egg. She had moved to a new location nearer the feed & water, and we moved the egg to her, but she refused to take it. It was chirping and had broken through but couldn't do the whole thing so after much waiting, I finally intervened. That was yesterday evening, and now the baby chick seems fine. Happy, drinking and eating, although resting a lot.

Should I give the baby chick back to the Mama hen? When should I reintroduce her? Help!

Thank you!

Put it in tonight (depending on what time it is were you are), in the dark, when everyone is asleep. Then check on her in the morning and she will most likely have accepted it.

 

[Johnn]

Make sure you put it in her wing or under her though because you can't just put it down next to her or she wont fall for it and the chick wont knock to go under for warmth anyways.

 

[sweettater]

Thanks for the advice - I will try it tonight.

 

[Johnn]

Thanks for the advice - I will try it tonight.

Let me know how you get on

 

[sweettater]

Just wanted to give an update - The Mama took baby that night with no trouble at all. Its been a couple of days and all the chicks are get getting along just fine.

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Johnn]

Just wanted to give an update - The Mama took baby that night with no trouble at all. Its been a couple of days and all the chicks are get getting along just fine.

Thanks again for the advice!

That's great to hear!