ok guys.. need opinions.. do i set up 2 or 3 hens with eggs under them.. or do I borrow my friends incubator? IF I use the incubator can I then stick day old chicks in with my silkie so she could raise them? or will they require being hand raised? any opinions on this is much appreciated. personally I'd rather use the incubator I think.. but I'd like the silkie to be able to raise the chicks. so idk. I need ideas tho. soon bc i need to get a bunch started either way. Thanks!
incubator or broody hen?
I love to hatch with the bator, but if I had a dependable broody, I'd save the electricity and let her do the work. :) I'd just be sure I handle the babiez a LOT...
I don't think you can count on a broody taking over chicks she hasn't hatched. Some individuals of very broody breeds (e.g. Silkies or Cochins) will do it. But it is never a sure thing.
I think chicks hatched by a reliable broody tend to be healthier and happier than incubator chicks--but as ZZ says, you do need to make sure you handle them a lot if you want them to be tame. And the broody will usually take exception to this...ouch!
The catch is.. have her hatch like a dozen or more, so you can always catch a couple when she runs off.. LOL