hollyd37
Hatching
Our silkies hatched 9 chicks, and this is our first experience with Mama hens and their babies. One was born with straddle legs, so we followed online directions to tape and correct it. While baby healed, which only took 2 days, we kept her indoor in brooder. She didn't have coordination or desire to peck food or water, so we hand fed and watered her (egg yolk and medicated chick starter feed). Day 3, we took her to mama hens and babies, but she chirped so loudly nonstop (cried)! Good news--hens didn't peck her and taught her to scratch and peck for food. Still wont drink on her own, and wouldnt stay under mama's wing, isolated herself. Bad news---never stopped crying. After 1 hour of supervision, I brought her in, held her, fed her and put her in brooder. 1 hour later, she still hasn't stopped crying so loudly. Anyone have experience here? How can we help her get calm, and what can we do to further integrate her with flock of sweet silkies when time is right? Thank you!
