The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: WoodlandsDevon on May 07, 2014, 04:15:29 pm

Title: How long does a broody take to get used to foster chicks?
Post by: WoodlandsDevon on May 07, 2014, 04:15:29 pm

I tried putting a chick under a buff Orpington broody but she just kept squawking and didn't let it come underneath her. Does it take a while for her to get used to them?

Title: Re: How long does a broody take to get used to foster chicks?
Post by: FiB on May 07, 2014, 05:18:13 pm

Has she hatched some herself?  I waited until mine had hatched hers and then slipped the others in  early morning and she seemed to take straight off.  If yours hasn't done the sitting/ hatching bit, not sure how that works..... Good luck

Title: Re: How long does a broody take to get used to foster chicks?
Post by: goosepimple on May 07, 2014, 05:40:04 pm

You have to wait until she has had hers then slip it under her at night when it's dark as their eyesight isn't so good in half light.  Chances are she would accept it then.


If you put it under her during the day, even if she has chicks of her own, she is very very likely to kill it (giving it a good peck) as it is a threat to her own getting food.


You have to be careful doing it, making sure the chick you are putting in isn't bigger etc.


Nowt's simple  ;)

Title: Re: How long does a broody take to get used to foster chicks?
Post by: Stereo on May 08, 2014, 02:31:06 pm

We've always done it at night with no problems.