Tag: Hatch-a-Longs

TBN Ranch Hens, Pullets and Hatch-a-longs

In March 2025, I placed a pair of two-day-old Blue Sex-link chicks under my broody Silkie hen for her to raise as her own. This was her third time raising adopted chicks—also known as “hatch-along” chicks—and I hope she continues to enjoy being a mom for years to come. I have four Silkies and one Mille Fleur; I chose these breeds for their well-known broody tendencies. Unfortunately, only two of them actually go broody, and one loses interest after a week and abandons the nest. Raven is my only dependable mama, faithfully raising and protecting her chicks within the flock.

All the black and gray Sex-link hens in this video were raised by Raven.

Mama Raven…

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Mama Hen Introduces Hatch-a-longs to the Flock

Two week old Sex-links are out of the brooder and join the flock

Just a quick update, the babies are doing wonderful! Mama hen is caring, watchful, and a great teacher.

The brooder is set up in the main coop. After the first week, I open the door and let Mama decide when it’s time for her chicks to venture into the real world.

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Hen and Hatch-a-Longs Join the Flock

Hen Brings Her Two Week old Chicks To the Outdoor Run to Join the Flock

Having a hen raise chicks is a natural and effective way to ensure they receive the care and nurturing they need to thrive. Not to mention, it’s so much easier to have a hen raise chicks. Brooder chicks require more work, which is time-consuming and can be challenging at times.
Hens are maternal animals and have a strong instinct to care for their offspring. They know how to keep the chicks warm, protect them from danger, and teach them how to find food and water.
These two little fuzzy butts are hatch-a-longs, meaning I introduced day-old chicks to my broody Silkie on day 21 of her dedicated broody cycle. She has been kept in the coop with her babies since day one and has done an incredible job keeping them safe from the rest of the flock. On week two she brought them out of the coop to join the flock in the outdoor run. As you can see in this short video, total harmony.

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