Will a broody adopt chicks a week after her hatch?

[DerbyChook]

My silkie hatched a week ago. All eight of her babies are doing well. I was at the feed shop today (uh-oh!) and the guy there said I could add a couple of the EE chicks he had in the bin at night and she wouldn't know the difference. So I have two new EE chicks out in the garage and eight silkies in the coop with mama. Was the guy at the feed shop right, or am I stuck raising two new babies by hand? The new chicks look to be about the same age as the ones we hatched, just bigger because they are large fowl.

 

[DerbyChook]

Bump. Anyone? I am nervous that I did a bad thing bringing the new chicks home

 

[Suechick]

How long has your hen been broody?
Does it already have some chicks?
I really don't know the answer, I think it depends on the hen. Hope someone knows...

 

[DerbyChook]

Quote:
Yes, she already has chicks. The new ones are the same age, different breed.

 

[BlackDogPack]

You can try it. I have hens that will take anything for weeks and some that would kill an unknown chick. Just watch close and introduce them. Obviously if she pecks/attacks them remove them asap. If you set them down and she starts her "mama talk" and get's them up with hers then I think you'd be good to go.

If she's in between - kind of ignores them, keep a close eye on them and it will probably be up to you but I personally wouldn't take the risk and raise them.

Good luck!

 

[DerbyChook]

Quote:
Thanks for the reply! I tried to put the chicks in with her this morning and she pecked at them, so they are under a heat lamp in the garage. The feed store guys said put them under her while she was asleep. The problem with this is what if she attacks them when she wakes up and I am not there?

I should not have taken them in he first place. Impulse and live animal purchases don't mix

 

[poops a lot]

I had 12 eggs under my broody, 5 hatched a week ago and we brought the other eggs inside and put them under a lamp. One hatched this morning and now I'm wondering if I can put her in with the rest? Will the mom take the newest chick unwed her wing?