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New to hen-raised chicks: how is it done?

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post #1 of 4

5/9/12 at 8:08pm

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KeithinWoodstock

Joined: 12/2009
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I've raised day-olds before, but never let a hen do the hatching. Are there any FAQ's you'd recommend? Any suggestions on housing, feeding both hen and chicks properly, socialization, etc would be appreciated. I know it's a bigger topic than can be handled in a thread, but I'd be grateful for any insights or lessons learned.

thanks....Keith

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post #2 of 4

5/9/12 at 8:28pm

JerseyGiantfolk

Joined: 1/2012
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Before the chicks hatch, I start mixing the chick feed in with the broodies "big chicken" food so it's not a drastic change. By the time the chicks hatch, she can be fully on the chick feed. Just one of my favorites. Good luck~

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

post #3 of 4

5/10/12 at 1:08am

sumi
Égalité

Location: Ireland
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I keep the hens and chicks in a separate "chick pen" until they are ready to join the flock again, usually after 6 weeks or so. Put a little house in there for them that the chicks can get in and out off easily. The hen won't be interested in roosting for awhile, so you can put in on the ground. Just clean the poop out regularly! As long as the hens stays warm and dry the chicks will be fine.

I sometimes feed the chicks chick feed, but cracked corn and some green things after the first week are o.k.

DON'T feed the new mom and chicks layer feed, it's bad for the chicks. If you want to you can give them chick grower food.

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked ~ Bernard Meltzer

post #4 of 4

5/10/12 at 6:48pm

Brookliner

Location: Southern New Hampshire
Joined: 3/2012
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My 6 chicks are 8 week old bantams they were hatched by my broody bantam Cochin. I have them is a separate part of my coop that I can connect with a door to the larger coop. I have a year old bantam hen & roo and 4 15 week old bantam chicks in the main coop how should I introduct the broody and 6 chicks to the other 6 chickens. Should I just open the door?????

Currently our chicken family consists of Bantam Blue Wheaten and Wheaten Ameracuna's, Bantam Cochin's and a Mille Fleur D'Unccle.. We have had backyard poultry for over 30 years We are a NPIP Certified flock NH-226.