Will our broody adopt day-old chicks?

[t3wine]

I am not certain which sex link they are referring to exactly but it's probably the red ones.
Here is an article about it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/an-inside-look-at-the-humble-sexlink-chicken.73484/

I have never owned red sex link so I can't say if this really applies to all red sex links or just one hatchery has a line that has the problem. The idea is they have more problems because they have over-active ova-tracts. If you want a pet chicken to live 5-7 years don't get a sex link. You want an egg machine who will burn out and need to be replaced in a few years go with a sex link. Some birds where created with a purpose in mind: Cornish cross- meat bird and red/black Sex link - egg layer.

Not to say you can't get one of these to out live there target age, it's just that they where not designed to.

Thank you for the explanation!

 

[t3wine]

x2. We've had a few sex-links who lived into old-ish age, but only a few. They are great for a lot of eggs and a reliable hen for a couple of years, just typically not as many as some other breeds. Those were only red though, not sure about black stars or legbars or any of those other breeds.
Thanks everyone for the great info in this thread! Our broody has successfully adopted her three chicks and is ultra-protective of them. They've learned to be pretty loyal to her as well. Now we just have to keep our Silkie cross out of the broody's nesting box - she has taken a great interest in the chicks!
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Thanks so much and so glad to hear the new little family is happy!

 

[aart]

Our broody has successfully adopted her three chicks

OhGood!! Didn't think it was going to happen.

 

[mountainchickens]

Thanks so much and so glad to hear the new little family is happy!

Thanks, me too!

OhGood!! Didn't think it was going to happen.

Thanks! Me neither but I'm glad it has

 

[EggSighted4Life]

After half an hour or so of being generally crazy, eating food and drinking like a maniac, dust bathing and pecking all her flockmates, she went back to the nesting box. We'll try again tonight. I think her psycho phase has worn off. It was odd though.

That was classic broody really, not a sign of it wearing off. Maybe it was her snapping out of her sitting trans!

Glad they are happy together now, I Love speckled Sussex!

And your hen is so pretty.

 

[mountainchickens]

That was classic broody really, not a sign of it wearing off. Maybe it was her snapping out of her sitting trans!

Yes, it was probably just her switching from sitting to mothering!

Glad they are happy together now, I Love speckled Sussex!

And your hen is so pretty.

I love them too have never had any before but I've seen pictures and some of our friends have them. Gorgeous birds! Let's just hope all ours are female!
Thanks! She's one of our better-looking girls!