Can my broody hen hatch and raise chicks?

[FunnyBunny89]

Hi! I have a blue Wyandotte hen who went broody, and she seemed very committed to it, so I let her keep two eggs. I candled them around day 6 and day 10 and they were developing just fine. She is now 3 days from hatching, and I'm wondering: what are the chances she can hatch and raise them with the flock? I'm currently raising 6 week old chicks, so my pen isn't available for her and her babies. I have a free brooder box I can put them in when they hatch, but then I'm worried she'll be sad I took them away.

Are they at a high risk of being killed by the others? My roo is a very gentle and caring towards his ladies, and even tried to feed the chicks in the pen through the wall. Will he be protective of day old chicks? Or can I count on momma hen? She's very feisty, doesn't take no guff from anyone.

 

[nuthatched]

They'll likely be fine

 

[FunnyBunny89]

They'll likely be fine

Have you let a hen hatch before?

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

There is a thread here all about Broody Raising and hatching and living with flock, hopefully you're able to check it out.

Our first broody had one squabble with a sister hen and after that everyone left her and the chicks alone.

Most of what I've seen is most broodies and chicks are safe within flock. There are times when crap happens.

Good luck and looking forward to photoa!

 

[FunnyBunny89]

There is a thread here all about Broody Raising and hatching and living with flock, hopefully you're able to check it out.

Our first broody had one squabble with a sister hen and after that everyone left her and the chicks alone.

Most of what I've seen is most broodies and chicks are safe within flock. There are times when crap happens.

Good luck and looking forward to photoa!

Oh okay! My bad, I'll look it up. Thank you! I'm feeling pretty excited now

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

No worries! There is a lot of information to comb through in this thread. I just went to find it, old fashion broody

But there are tons of informational threads on broodies and living in a flock.

You can always have a back up just in case, but generally with enough room they coexist well.

 

[nuthatched]

Have you let a hen hatch before?

I haven't but very rarely does it go badly, it shouldn't by the sound of your flock

 

[Ridgerunner]

You do not get guarantees with living animals, but broody hens have been hatching and raising chicks with the flock for thousands of years. They never went extinct. The more room you have the better but it usually works out. You do not get guarantees raising them yourself either.

A good rooster takes care of all the chickens in the flock. I've never had a problem with a mature rooster harming a chick. Some people say they have but I have not. I have seen roosters help Mama take care of the chicks. Most ignore the chicks but some roosters help out.

Good luck!

 

[FunnyBunny89]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! I'll let the chickens do their thing

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

Oh okay! My bad, I'll look it up. Thank you! I'm feeling pretty excited now

Also do a search for Natural Breeding, there's a newer thread on it. Also there is a broody article too.