Will it work?

[Swastik Choudhari]

So had a chicken hatch 2 chicks 4 days back and i havr chickenn who hatched 2 chicks today.. I was thinking of giving the 2nd chicken the chicks of the 1st chicken also...and i know she will happily brood them... My question is will the chicks accept the 2nd mother and will the chicken leave her broodyness after taking away her chicks?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My opinion and experience says no. Adding younger chicks to a mom who has already started taking babies out might be a death sentence to the babies who aren't yet as adept or mobile as the ones JUST a couple days older.

In addition... what kind of cruelness is that? If she ain't qualified to raise her own chicks don't let her sit that long next time.

Good luck, and congrats on your hatches!

 

[Swastik Choudhari]

Thakzzz for youre reply.. The 1st chicken in not inexperienced but...i just thought to sum up the chicks to one mom and have less chicken to deal with...!

 

[peeper89]

let hen have own chicks!

 

[BirdGirl2004]

Thakzzz for youre reply.. The 1st chicken in not inexperienced but...i just thought to sum up the chicks to one mom and have less chicken to deal with...!

I know how you feel! I've wanted to do this several times, but i think that she should be able to have her own chickens! Although I have heard of mother hen taking in other chicks! Good luck!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thakzzz for youre reply.. The 1st chicken in not inexperienced but...i just thought to sum up the chicks to one mom and have less chicken to deal with...!

I have felt this way also... again, I wouldn't let a second bird sit if I wasn't willing to deal with it.

I do try to make sure my ladies hatch at least a week or two apart to help keep confusion down for the chicks since my Silkie's all look very alike.

But too me... a 4 day difference is a death sentence to the younger group. You can try and pay close attention so you can rescue them. Every situation will b e unique. You may end up having to raise them yourself. And you will likely still have to boot the second mom out of the nest and maybe even lock her away to "break" her mood. Usually takes at least a week or so before they shape up and start acting normal after loosing a clutch.

Alternatively... I would sell off any bird who was broody and I didn't want to deal with it all the time. Once or twice a year, maybe no big deal. But I have some relentless broody's that get that way every third egg, even if they are allowed to raise a clutch.