Take part in study on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in eggs

[Chicken deficient]

Has anyone that has tried both methods noted any differences in behaviour / temperament between chicks that have been hatched under a broody, compared to those that are hatched and raised artificially?

 

I was just wondering if it made much difference to their end characters?

 

Thanks

[Daphne]

Not really - they all treat you as if you are the devil incarnate There is something magical in watching a broody feed her chicks, show them what to do, keep them warm and allow them to play on her, but all chicks have instincts in any case and will dustbathe, preen, chase insects etc without being shown. I haven't found that either lot turn out to be better or worse than the other, no more or less friendly, no better or worse growth rates, its down to traits in individuals.

[sjp]

I find broody raised chicks are more confident and grow and feather up a bit quicker and can sometimes be easier to integrate into the mob. but I do FR them from about a week old with the mob plus I'm lucky to have to broodies that aren't neurotic and a mob that know not to tangle with the broodies. But I do have a first timer sitting on 3 eggs that's on day 3