Over a month after we lost our rooster Bingo decided to go broody. After seeing that she was dedicated to the job we decided to try and slip some chicks under her at night while she was sleeping. This is what we woke up to in the morning. Congrats to mama Bingo ❤️❤️❤️
Broody hens can be quite dedicated to their task of raising chicks, and sometimes you may want to help them expand their family by slipping foster chicks under their wings. In my experience, the key is to do this quietly and during the hen's resting period, like at night, so she is less likely to reject the new chicks out of instinct. One important thing I learned is that the hen’s natural broody behavior helps her bond with the chicks quickly, enabling her to warm and protect them as if they were her own. This method works well especially when the hen has already shown signs of being broody, such as clucking persistently and sitting tightly on a nest. When introducing foster chicks, be sure to watch the hen's reaction in the morning to ensure she has accepted them. In my case, upon waking, we were greeted by a proud mama hen Bingo keeping the chicks warm and safe, which was a joyful moment. If you're considering this approach, also keep in mind the age and size of the chicks relative to the foster hen and her own chicks, as large or older chicks may intimidate or harm the hen or younger chicks. Patience and gentle observation are key to a successful fostering experience. Overall, tricking a broody hen into adopting other chicks can be a rewarding way to support your flock's growth and ensure abandoned or orphaned chicks receive the care they need.












































































