tom123 Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Haven't been on for a few days and have so much to tell you about! First off, Mrs broody was sitting on fake eggs until we could find some . So looking on trade it and I see 'URGENT 6 DAY OLD CHICKS FTGH' So gave them a call and they said their broody had died after hatching and they didn't have a heat lamp. They popped the chicks over that afternoon. So I set them up in a box inside the broody's accommodation so she could hear them but not see them. 2 hours later I slowly slipped each chick under and removed an egg. She sat there for a few minutes looking very happy but... After 5 minutes or so the chicks started moving about and popping their heads out, Rosie went MAD she pecked and pecked at them, hackles up, squawking. It was horrible so I had to grab all the chicks and put them back in the box while crying It was very upsetting and was thinking 'what have I done' She had been broody for about 2 1/2 weeks and was doing a very good job. Bit of a mystery really, did everything like the omlet wiki said. Maybe she just didn't want them So we now have a broody with fake eggs in a rabbit hutch and a run in the garage with a heat lamp etc. and 6 five day-old chicks. What do I do? stop her being broody? Help! Oh by the way, we have 3 gold laced orpington chicks and 3 speckled sussex chicks Will post pics soon Thanks Tom P.S. Forgot to add, Rosie passed away on thursday night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Sorry you've had a difficult few days Sorry to hear about rosie. Maybe the chicks were just a bit too old as I read somewhere that 5 days was maximum age to slip under a broody Or she was too alert as I think its recommended that its done late at night when the broody is sleepy. I tried everything to stop my broody but she sat fast for 6 weeks.In the end we put two 4 day old chicks under her at midnight.She was ok if not a bit surprised the next morning when they were already up and eating Hope things work out for you. Sophie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 Thanks They were day old when we tried and it was at about 11 at night so everything alright there. oh well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Sorry it didn't work out and sorry to hear about Rosie too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Sorry Tom I read that as (six days) old not 6 x day old chicks Sounds like you did everything right but it just wasn't to be Hope it all works out ok anyway. Sophie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Sorry to hear that Tom that's really rough for you. Sorry about Rosie hope the chicks do ok it'll be more work for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atsw Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 After 5 minutes or so the chicks started moving about and popping their heads out, Rosie went MAD she pecked and pecked at them, hackles up, squawking.Hi Tom - sorry to read things didn't go to plan. How long had Mrs broody been sitting on fake eggs? If she hadn't done close to 21 days I'm wondering if she simply knew the chicks could not be hers and hence the rejection. Well done for formulating a rapid rescue though. Certainly your only option at that point. Yes, you'll have to raise them yourself now, but it will still be a great experience. Pictures? Sorry to read that Rosie passed away on thursday night . Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 I'm sorry about Rosie It sounds like you've done everything right, so don't blame yourself. If it were me and you don't want to try her with the chicks again, I'd put her in the broody cage, and stop her being broody. If you think positively, you have some new hens to look after during the summer holidays . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 Thanks guys It can get a bit confusing with 2 rosies! My mum had an idea, could we not hatch eggs under her and then put the chicks straight under a heat lamp and stop her being broody as my nan wants her back as soon as possible would that work? Tom PICTURES are coming soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 My mum had an idea, could we not hatch eggs under her and then put the chicks straight under a heat lamp and stop her being broody as my nan wants her back as soon as possible You could, but you shouldn't have the chicks you have now and the planned chicks together as they'll bully the younger chicks. Do you have an incubator? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 They would be separated dont worry! No but would like a small one Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 You could try and make one I did, and because I had a few bits and bobs it only cost £30. The most expensive bit was the thermostat and power supply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 If she hatches the chicks, it would be unkind to take them away from her. I would leave her to do all the work, it is far easier. I'm sure your Nan will understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 i agree with eglutine i'd leave the chicks with the broody watching their relationship is unmissable. i have have really enjoyed watching mine and its only about six weeks (maybe less) before your broody will loose interest in them and you can take over god luck and keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
