The Poultry Keeper

CP · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 4:38 pm Post subject: What are the chances?

What are the chances of a broody hen who has just hatched 1 egg this morning, adopting 2, 1 week old chicks as well?

Out of the 12 we hatched last weekend, 2 were never taken by our 2 broodies. (for reasons best known to themselves!?)

We are going to try putting them under her when she's not looking!

Wish us luck. Very Happy

(We'll let everyone know what happens.)

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Should work out just fine. Mine took to the other ones instantly. Mind you, I did introduce them in the middle of the night though.

NannyP · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 5:14 pm Post subject:

Yeah, sounds an okay thing to do. Have often read it on the forums, about doing it at night. Sometimes our hens, are so easily fooled Very Happy

Gina · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 471 Location: Kent

I think as she just hatched her own it should be ok....with mine i have have noticed and now think the bonding with amount/type of chicks happens when they walk them out for the first time....when they are hatching them and sitting tight they don't really know what has hatched and what they have. To discover a couple more underneath will be fine but do it sooner rather than later!

CP · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 5:58 pm Post subject:

"A little bird told me that we were moving house today!"
"Yes, and we may also get a new Mummy!"
"Anywhere will be better than this - the place needs a good clean. And we won't have to keep checking the temperature!"

"You are going to have 2 new playmates in a little while, baby."

"Don't think much of the transport!"

"Here are your new friends, baby. I think I may like them, too! Lets see if they know how to snuggle under my feathers."

So far, so good! Very Happy

NannyP · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 6:02 pm Post subject:

Knobby · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 6:30 pm Post subject:

Lovely Pics & naration !!! Very Happy

Gina · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 471 Location: Kent

lol....here's hoping for a happy ever after!

mojo · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:59 pm Post subject: mojo here

no piccys only a little cross IGNORE looked again and got super picys well done sorry

CP · Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:54 am Post subject:

Quick update:- Matilda seems to have taken to the 2 new ones as well as her own chick.

I was a little concerned last night when they wouldn't eat & drink before bedtime, but they have all been out this morning to have some food & gone back under Mum with no problems.

Really pleased!

Knobby · Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:58 am Post subject:

Yippee....well done ! Very Happy

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Well Done ! Dancing

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

I'm am thrilled for you that Matilda took to the new ones right away! It makes life so much easier having a 'mum' to rear them rather than yourself. (But then you could have a Hadders or Little Rich, if you did it. Hmmmmm, can't decide now which way is better. Wink

)