Will broody accept chicks that aren't hers?

[aoxa]

She was a cochin. 3 of the babies lived. They were fine, except the one that was shrink wrapped which was my doing from lack of moisture. I rehomed the two that did well and kept the one that had issues(her growth was stunted from being shrink wrapped).
I gave the broody away and explained what happened. I couldn't keep her after she ate the chicks. That's how upset I was.

That's very unlike a cochin...

I don't blame you. That would be awful to see..

 

[aoxa]

Three days is pushing it alot..maybe she'll take them if she really wants to. Try putting one under her and if it stays, your good to try another...alot depends on the chick too...it could still work.. I never was a morning person so all my attempts were made in the evening...whatever you do, don't show her the new chick first. I've had broodies take orphans days older than her hatch, but gave them before three days. I've also had broodies take an injured chick back after being separated for five days....you don't know till you try.

If the chick resembles one of her own chicks, it can be done as much as 2 weeks after. I have done it twice. Both with silkies. The chicks blended in. The mothers were clueless. lol

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Well, I've had chicks with two broodies and they all looked pretty much alike to me...the mama sure knew who was who...they bond through voice and peeps as well as sight, the injured chick I returned was hurt by the other broody, when I took him back the real mama showed no interest until it began to peep...then she came over to claim it. But I have game hens, not heritage layers.

 

[aoxa]

Well, I've had chicks with two broodies and they all looked pretty much alike to me...the mama sure knew who was who...they bond through voice and peeps as well as sight, the injured chick I returned was hurt by the other broody, when I took him back the real mama showed no interest until it began to peep...then she came over to claim it. But I have game hens, not heritage layers.

Game hens are definitely smarter then silkies!

My girl Lorraine took 4 extra babies 2 weeks after her hatch. The time before my Pearl (also a silkie) took in one chick two weeks after her hatch was complete. She also only sat for 1 week before getting her first few babies.

 

[Pennyfeather]

Wow . . . Some good and interesting advice thank you very much. The chicks all look a lot alike so I may try this evening when it's going dark and hopefull when she wakes up in the morning she will love them! Will keep a very close eye on them and won't pack the brooder away just yet!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Good luck with the adoption, when I give a hen a chick, I usually glove up the one hand and let her peck it, and slip the chick in under her from behind. They should just snuggle into the warm hen feathers and the broody will be just too intent on watching your hand to care.

 

[aoxa]

Good luck with the adoption, when I give a hen a chick, I usually glove up the one hand and let her peck it, and slip the chick in under her from behind. They should just snuggle into the warm hen feathers and the broody will be just too intent on watching your hand to care.

I can never remember to use gloves

Hope she takes them! Watch them closely for a bit.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Well sure, after one time with a game hen, you will keep a pair in the coop.! Lol.