The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Womble on June 04, 2011, 10:05:41 pm

Title: Will a broody accept chicks?
Post by: Womble on June 04, 2011, 10:05:41 pm

Just a thought - I'm hopefully picking up some day old turkey chicks tomorrow, but at the same time we have a broody pea hen (don't ask - long story!) sitting on some overdue eggs. I really don't think her own eggs are going to hatch now, so is there any chance she would accept the chicks as her own? If so, it'd be a far better start for them than in the brooder, but I really don't know if it's worth a try or not!

Title: Re: Will a broody accept chicks?
Post by: piggy on June 04, 2011, 11:08:50 pm

Last year i had 2 chicks hatch from the incubator,at the same time i had a broody with 5 chicks outside,at night i put the 2 inside chicks under the broody and she took them no problem,i have been told that as long as you put them under the hen at night 99 times out of 100 she will take them but it must be at night.

Title: Re: Will a broody accept chicks?
Post by: darkbrowneggs on June 04, 2011, 11:28:15 pm

I have never had a problem getting a broody to take chicks,   :)  as said I usually do it at night.

All the best
Sue

Title: Re: Will a broody accept chicks?
Post by: Womble on June 06, 2011, 08:07:32 am

Well, I put four chicks under her last night, and she seems to have taken them ok. (I don't dare get too close to her now to check, as she's basically a wild bird, and hence best left to get on with it I reckon!!). 

Thanks for the advice!