First hatch

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Tattie

Tattie

Hatching
Aug 1, 2015
6
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We had 4 out of 6 eggs hatch 3 days ago. The last hatch was yesterday. 2 eggs didn't make it. We have Mama hen and babies seperated in their own little area with enough room to move around plus food and water. However, Mama hen has not moved at all since Monday. I have given her food and water and she drank and ate a bit yesterday but I don't see any poop in there and I am worried about her and the chicks. Shouldn't she be getting up and showing them how to eat and drink at this point. She looks like she is still in a trance. The only thing I can think of is that the weather has been super cold like teens at night and 25-40 during the day. Maybe she thinks it is way too cold to get off of them at all. Even to eat. Do I just leave her alone? Maybe put a heat lamp in there to help out? At what point should she be getting up and moving aound and when can I let her and the chicks out into the pasture with the other hens?
 
Keep Chick Starter food in with her and a waterer on the ground that the chicks can reach. Mother knows best. She'll get them out in the open when she thinks it's safe. If the chicks aren't healthy or strong, she'll keep them under cover, or (gulp) she'll do away with them. Just leave her with her babies. Good Luck.
 
Lelilamom said:
Keep Chick Starter food in with her and a waterer on the ground that the chicks can reach.  Mother knows best.  She'll get them out in the open when she thinks it's safe.  If the chicks aren't healthy or strong, she'll keep them under cover, or (gulp) she'll do away with them.  Just leave her with her babies.  Good Luck.
Click to expand...


Yes, mother always knows best. Post some pics of the new chicks if you can please
1f603.png
 
I'm sure that there are standard procedures about when to let momma and chicks out with the rest of the flock. These days, i simply put momma and chicks on the ground (momma hatches in the coop) with food and water and let her do her thing. If she wants to take the chicks out on safari on day one, then fine, if she chooses to keep them in the coop for a few days - thats also fine. Rest assured, your other flock members are highly unlikely to be let anywhere near the chicks, never mind harm them. IME adult flock members only begin to teach the chicks some manners when they are 4 weeks and older - before that time they seem to be just curious.

You may wish to consider opening the partitioned area (under your supervision) to see if mum wants to dash out quickly. She may feel that the space she has it not sufficient for defecation. You can always close the area off if she goes off to keep the little ones safe and in one place.

All the best
CT
 

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