Letting Hen Raise Chicks

[Farmgirl1878]

Pretty much same situation here: BO girl who's gone broody. One of 6 chicks I got in April & raised indoors in brooder last year. Wasn't sure she'd stick with it, but not only has she been SUPER committed to this, but she's been the nicest broody I've ever been around. So I decided to let her brood & get her some chicks. Figured it would save me the work of raising & integrating them myself & also reward all her determination.
Well, little did I know finding day-3 day old chicks in breeds I actually wanted would be SO difficult this year! So she's been sitting almost 3 full weeks, but I FINALLY found her some yesterday afternoon while I was out-of-town!
Had to improvise a way to transport & keep them warm for 45 mins since had no idea I'd be bringing babies home w/me. But they ARE home & after making sure they ate & drank water first, we began to introduce them to their new Mama about 30 mins after arrival since it was already dark.
We let her hear them chirping for a bit first & then placed one chick underneath her & removed the wooden eggs.
She seemed surprised when detecting motion underneath her & did peck at it a couple times but did not seem to be trying to harm it & did position herself so chick could crawl underneath her.
Let them be for a bit before reassesing & then adding the 2nd chick. She took it underneath her right away.
After about 20 mins added the other 3.
All 5 chicks & Momma happily bonding in the "Brooding Bungalow" all day today. Chicks active, eating & drinking. Lots of clucking, chirping & trilling going on.
& Honey (new Mama) has been great with our "intrusions" (moving & refilling feeder & waterer) & letting us handle chicks. So far so good!
& yes, I'm already in love with this new babies!

Love it!!! I hope she’s as good a momma hen as my girls have all been. The best part is, since she’s already used to you handling her and having your hands in the brooder, you can play with the Chicklets without her getting upset!

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

They definitely associate sounds with chow or treats. They hear the basement door open and know that hubs or I are coming out, they hear me holler, “in the coop!” and come running from the woods to get treats, they know exactly what time the automatic door opens in the morning…. They’re pretty smart little dinosaurs.

I once had a RIR x Maran rooster who was smart enough to open simple locks....................

 

[DIYGuy24]

I just had a hen go broody and I have eggs in incubators with 7 days and 14 days remaining.


My question is what temps do you let broody hens have chicks? Seems a little cold to me but I guess it depends on if she's a good mom or not?

 

[BDutch]

A good broody can keep her chicks warm in spring for sure.

You cant give her both batches. I would try to make this as natural ass possible and give her the eggs that are just one week on the way. That way the hen won’t be surprised and the chances to accept the chicks as her own are better.
Do mark the eggs before you give them to the broody.