Mia Patel
Broody hens can be used as surrogate mothers for baby chicks, even if you don't want to hatch your own chicken eggs. This method is preferred over hatching eggs in an incubator because it requires less work and the hen will raise the chicks herself. It is best to introduce the chicks to the hen when they are a day or two old, and no older than three days old. To introduce the chicks, pick them up one at a time and show them to the hen, then tuck them gently under her. If she accepts them, she will cluck excitedly and use her beak to push the chick further underneath. However, it is important to note that there is a risk of chick injury and death when attempting this method, and it should not be done by a stranger to the hen.
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What You'll Learn
- The younger the better: Chicks should be a maximum of a few days old
- Slip them under the hen at night
- Remove unhatched eggs
- Watch for acceptance: The hen will cluck excitedly and use her beak to push the chick further underneath
- Prepare a backup plan: If the hen rejects the chicks, they will need a temporary brooder to survive
The younger the better: Chicks should be a maximum of a few days old
Chicks should be introduced to a broody hen when they are a maximum of a few days old. The younger the better, as this will increase the chances of the hen accepting them and bonding with them.
The bond between a mother hen and her chicks begins while the chick is still in the egg. When introducing young chicks to a broody hen, some of the bonding time is skipped, but young chicks can still imprint on a mother hen if they are young enough. Chicks that are no more than a day or two old are most readily accepted by a broody hen.
If the chicks are older, proceed with caution and take more time. Older chicks may be too old to bond with the hen, and the hen may reject them. If the hen still has eggs under her, do not introduce the chicks. Wait until the hen has been broody for at least a week before introducing the chicks.
To introduce the chicks, do it at night with no light. Let the mama hen hear the chick peeping for a few minutes before slipping it under her feathers. You will probably hear her transition to cooing and clucking. She will use her beak to push the chick further underneath and spread her wings out and flatten her body to accommodate the chicks. Once all the chicks are underneath her, stick around and watch to be sure that she has accepted them. Check frequently the following day, too, to make sure things are going well.
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Slip them under the hen at night
It is possible to slip day-old chicks under a broody hen at night so that she thinks one of her eggs has hatched, and she will "adopt" it as her own. This method can be used to expand your flock without having to buy a heating lamp and other special equipment for raising chicks. It is also a great way to snap a hen out of being broody.
When introducing the chicks, it is important to let the mama hen hear the baby chick peeping for a bit before slipping it under her feathers. You will probably hear her transition to cooing and clucking. After letting her listen to the peeping for a few minutes, gently slide the chick under her feathers. If she is sitting on any eggs, remove them while your hand is under her. Don't leave any eggs, including fake eggs, under her once you transition her to chicks.
It is recommended to wait until the hen has been broody for at least a week before attempting to slip chicks under her at night. It is also important to note that this method may not always work, and some hens may reject the chicks. If the hen rejects the chicks, it may be necessary to give them their own space and provide them with high-protein chick starter or broiler feed to protect them from other adult chickens.
Some sources suggest that it is not advisable to add the chicks at night, as there is a risk that the mother hen may reject a chick, or the chick may tumble out of the nest and get hurt or killed. However, many people have successfully slipped day-old chicks under a broody hen at night, and the hen has accepted them as her own.
It is important to keep a close eye on the chicks and the hen for the first few hours and days to ensure that the hen is accepting the chicks and that they are safe and warm under her wings. This method of using a broody hen as a surrogate mother is a great way to avoid the hassle of setting up a brooder box and heat lamp in your house, as the mother hen will keep the chicks warm, protect them, and introduce them to the rest of the flock.
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Remove unhatched eggs
When introducing day-old chicks to a broody hen, it is important to remove any unhatched eggs from under the hen. This is because the hen will typically sit on the eggs for around 21 days, turning them periodically to ensure even heat distribution and keep them warm.
If you are introducing day-old chicks, it is best to do so at night, so the hen thinks her eggs have hatched when she sees the chicks in the morning. As you tuck each chick underneath the hen, you can take away an egg. The hen may also push out any unviable eggs from the nest.
It is important to monitor the eggs and remove any that are infertile or have a deceased embryo. Candling, which involves shining a bright light through the egg to check the embryo's development, can be used around day 7 of incubation to help determine this.
In incubation settings, unhatched eggs should be removed after 24 days. However, if you are introducing day-old chicks to a broody hen, you will need to remove the unhatched eggs sooner. The hen will need to be off the nest within 72 hours of the first chicks hatching so she can take them to food and water.
If you are trying to break a broody hen of its broodiness, one method is to persistently and consistently collect eggs from the nest throughout the day to discourage the hen from settling on them.
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Watch for acceptance: The hen will cluck excitedly and use her beak to push the chick further underneath
When introducing day-old chicks to a broody hen, it is important to be cautious and prepared. The process should be carried out calmly and quietly, ensuring the hen remains relaxed and undisturbed. It is also crucial to be vigilant, as there are risks of chick injury or death if the hen rejects them. Before introducing the chicks, it is essential to confirm that the hen has been consistently broody for at least 17 days, indicating a strong desire for motherhood.
The introduction process typically involves placing the chicks under the hen at night, when it is dark, to minimise the risk of rejection. By doing so, the hen may believe that her eggs have hatched when she notices the chicks in the morning. It is important to ensure that the hen is on her nest and calm before beginning the introduction. Additionally, any objects that might create noise and disturb the hen should be removed beforehand.
During the introduction, each chick should be gently tucked under the hen one at a time. This allows the hen to see and hear each chick, which is crucial for bonding and acceptance. A positive sign of acceptance is when the hen clucks excitedly and uses her beak to push the chick further underneath her, creating more space. She may also spread her wings and flatten her body to make room for the chicks.
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to have a temporary brooder or alternative living arrangement for the chicks in case the hen rejects them. This is vital for the chicks' survival, as they will need a safe and warm environment with access to food and water. It is also important to monitor the situation for the first few hours and days to ensure the hen continues to care for the chicks and that the chicks are adjusting well.
In summary, introducing day-old chicks to a broody hen requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined above, one can increase the chances of a successful introduction and bonding experience. However, it is important to remain vigilant and prepared for any outcome, as the well-being of both the hen and the chicks is of utmost priority.
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Prepare a backup plan: If the hen rejects the chicks, they will need a temporary brooder to survive
It is important to prepare a backup plan in case the hen rejects the chicks. If this happens, the chicks will need a temporary brooder to survive. Here are some steps to follow to create a temporary brooder and ensure the survival of the chicks:
Firstly, source a suitable container for the brooder. Large plastic tubs or totes can work well and are easily accessible at stores like Walmart. Ensure you have at least two containers so you can alternate between them for cleaning. Make sure the container has enough ventilation by cutting holes in the sides with a box cutter or an Exacto knife.
Next, you'll need to provide a heat source for the chicks. This can be done using a heat lamp or an electric brooder. Heat lamps are less expensive upfront but require bulb replacements and use more electricity. Electric brooders are more costly initially but are more energy-efficient and don't require bulb replacements.
Once you have the container and heat source ready, add some bedding material such as wood shavings or straw to provide a comfortable surface for the chicks. You'll also need to set up food and water dispensers. It is important to provide a high-protein chick starter or broiler feed to ensure the chicks get the necessary nutrition.
In addition to the brooder setup, it's crucial to monitor the chicks closely if they are rejected by the hen. They will need extra care and attention to ensure they stay warm and fed, and protected from potential threats. Keep a close eye on their behavior and health, and be prepared to intervene if any issues arise.
By having a backup plan and a temporary brooder ready, you can ensure the survival and well-being of the chicks even if they are rejected by the hen. It's always better to be prepared and provide a safe and nurturing environment for these vulnerable young birds.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wait until one of your hens goes broody. Then, with the broody hen on her nest, pick up the chicks one at a time and show them to her. Let her see and hear each chick. Now, gently tuck the chicks under the hen, one at a time. She will accept them if she clucks excitedly and uses her beak to push the chick further underneath.
The sooner the better. Chicks that are a day or two old are more likely to be accepted by the hen. Chicks that are older than a week or two may be rejected.
If the hen rejects the chicks, they will need to be kept in a brooder under a heat lamp. You should also provide them with some high-protein chick starter or broiler feed to prevent them from being bullied or killed by adult chickens.
Before putting the chicks under the hen, ensure that you can easily and quietly enter the coop or get close to the nest. Move any objects that may make noise and alert the hen to your presence.
After putting the chicks under the hen, stick around and watch for a while to make sure that she has accepted them. Keep a close eye on the chicks for the first few hours.
