Introducing Chicks to a Broody Hen: Any Tips for a Second Attempt?

[EggcellentOne]

I've successfully used surrogate broody hens in the past to raise adopted chicks without issues, so this situation is a bit new for me. I have a broody hen whos been sitting on a nest of unfertilized eggs for about three weeks. She has never raised chicks before. Today, I received seven chicks that hatched on Monday and went through my usual process of showing them to the hen and placing them under her one by one.

However, she didnt respond as expected. Normally, broody hens react with cooing and clucking when they meet their new chicks, but this time she seemed confused and didnt seem to accept them right away. She didnt reject them outright either, but after about half an hour, she grabbed one chick from under her and flung it out of the nest box. Thankfully, the chick was fine, but I decided to remove all the chicks and return them to the brooder.

Has anyone here had success with grafting chicks to a broody hen on a second attempt? I was considering trying again during the night or just before dawn, thinking the hen might be more receptive while drowsy. However, Im concerned it might be too risky for the chicks. Any advice or success stories would be greatly appreciated!

[ChickMagnet]

This has happened to me before, and I found that after the first rejection, it's usually better to leave the chicks under the broody overnight when she's calmer. If she's still rejecting them after that, I would pull the chicks and continue raising them separately, but it's worth trying at least once more.

[HenHouseHistorian]

My first-time broody didn't take to the chicks immediately either, but after I tried again at night, she was more accepting. If your hen continues to reject them, you could also try putting a few under her, rather than all at once, and slowly see if she warms up to them. Watch her closely for signs of aggression, though!

[FarmyardSage]

I think your instincts are right to try again at night. The low-light and calm environment will give the hen a chance to bond with the chicks without distractions. I would also recommend warming the chicks a bit before placing them under her, just to make sure they're nice and cozy.

[CoopRebel]

I've had this happen before! My broody wasn't interested at first, so I left the chicks under her overnight. The next morning, she was more attentive. It's important to check her behavior though – if she continues rejecting them, I'd recommend keeping them in the brooder. Sometimes it takes time for a hen to adjust, and others just aren't that interested in being mothers.

[HatcheryHiker]

It sounds like your hen is still unsure about being a mother, especially since she's never raised chicks before. I've had success with grafting chicks at night. Sometimes, broodies are more willing to accept the chicks while they are calmer. You could try again at night or early morning when she's more likely to be in a relaxed state. It's not always a guaranteed method, but it's worth a try if you want to avoid raising the chicks in the brooder.

[FeatheredPhilosopher]

I've read that sometimes it helps to “borrow” a chick from another hen that's already raising chicks and place it under the broody hen. This may trigger a maternal instinct and could make her more willing to accept the new chicks. You could also try it at night as you mentioned. Just be sure to watch her closely!

[CluckinAround]

It might take a little while for your broody to accept the chicks. First-time mothers sometimes need time to adjust, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. Trying it in the middle of the night could work better, and if she still rejects them, I'd consider just raising the chicks in the brooder for now.

[GreenThumbed]

I've had a broody who didn't accept the chicks on the first try but did the second time. Make sure you have a heat source ready for the chicks in case the hen rejects them again. Try placing them under her at night, and watch her reactions closely.

[FlockFather]

I would definitely try again, but I suggest leaving the chicks under her at night when she's least likely to be agitated. Make sure to check on them early in the morning to see if she's accepted them. Be patient, as some hens take a little longer to warm up to the idea of raising chicks.