Will a Hen Adopt?

[Scotty-Jon Welsh]

Hi I’m new to chickens and my hen just had 7 healthy chicks about 2 weeks ago. I also now have another hen that is sitting on just one egg that should hatch within a week or so. I only have one cage for my hens and chicks so would the first hen adopt the other chick that is going to hatch or should I just get another cage from somewhere?
Thank you in advanced.

 

[Pork Pie]

The hen with the older chicks will almost certainly not adopt the newborn chick. Keeping the new mother and chick separate from the the hen with the older chick is important.

 

[Scotty-Jon Welsh]

Thank you!

 

[ben0125]

Oh sorry didn't read it properly, I didn't think they were 2 weeks old.

 

[JaeG]

After 2 weeks a mother hen knows her babies, and will not accept new ones. She also changes her mothering to keep up with their development - less cuddling and more teaching. And babies that are 3 weeks old (by the time the lone baby hatches) could potentially hurt or smother the little one as they grow so much in 3 weeks.

 

[chickens really]

The answer is no..The Hen with the older chicks will possibly kill it. Plus the one hatching the single Chick will have sat hatching for nothing in return.
Get another pen ready.