Poultry Talk Ontario (pto.ca)

I have a newly broody hen about 4 to 7 days now....And my chicks are just about 2 weeks. I have a separate smaller coop for the chick's when they're ready to go out. But I thought maybe I could put them out early with the broody hen? Any opinions based on the information? THANKS ALL
:chicken-egg:

I think unfortunately the window for chicks bonding with your broody hen and for your broody hen bonding with your chicks has passed. Most suggest that under a week old it's still possible, depending on the broody and the chicks, but beyond that, success is much less likely.

If you can put them somewhere where she can see them, you can listen to her reaction to them.
I have had a non-broody hen adopt 2 week old chicks, the moment she saw them she started calling them so I let her in, and she took to them like they were hers, but of course it could go the other way and she could see them as intruders.
It really depends on a hen and how closely you can supervise.

and good advice.

Thanks OC. The new broody is the black hen you sold me 2 years ago. ..maybe I'll find a way to get a bunch in there and near her to see her reaction...I have a small crate that should do the trick

I hope it works out, let us know how things go.
BTW, if that doesn't work out you can always give her some eggs to sit on :)

What breed is the broody hen? My silkie doesn't ask questions. She takes them all and by all I mean 30 chicks!

I agree with pretty much al of the above. Probably too old, but you could try just after dark when she is settled in her spot. Gently quietly stick the chicks under her. They should settle where its warm, and she will adjust herself on them and in the morning wake up with new babies. At this age, might work, might not, but would be my method of trying.

Farrier1987 wrote:QR_BBPOST I agree with pretty much al of the above. Probably too old, but you could try just after dark when she is settled in her spot. Gently quietly stick the chicks under her. They should settle where its warm, and she will adjust herself on them and in the morning wake up with new babies. At this age, might work, might not, but would be my method of trying.

Sorry, but that's the only one that I wouldn't recommend, you may have a whole bunch of dead chicks on your hands in the morning.
At two weeks the chicks are a bit old to be trying the quiet sneak in method. :)

Ontario Chick wrote:QR_BBPOST

Farrier1987 wrote:QR_BBPOST I agree with pretty much al of the above. Probably too old, but you could try just after dark when she is settled in her spot. Gently quietly stick the chicks under her. They should settle where its warm, and she will adjust herself on them and in the morning wake up with new babies. At this age, might work, might not, but would be my method of trying.

Sorry, but that's the only one that I wouldn't recommend, you may have a whole bunch of dead chicks on your hands in the morning.

I agree wit OC,
From experience this does not work most of the time.