My Olivia, a 1.5 yr. old RSL, as of last night, has 4 new babies...I got her (4) 3 day old Dominques...they are precious! We did the 'bait and switch' late last night..she is being an excellent Mom! She has been broody for almost 8 weeks....we did get some fertilized eggs, but the snake got most of them..what was left were duds....
So.........I have given her the babies...checked on her early this am...she is doing a great job so far....scrambled her egg and have to get chick food today....gave them a waterer with electolytes in it, we are having extremely hot temps here...she is in her own brooder box...a big one.....seems happy.They are located under our wood shelter, not in the pen and the coop with the others...will they be accepted later? Will the other hens be used to them as time goes on?....so many questions.... I just need to know if there is anything else I need to be doing....she has not wanted to come out in the yard yet.....we have 21 others who will be free ranging in about 4 hours.....she will protect her babies I am sure? This is a first time for me having a hen raise chicks, so I want to do all the correct things and protect everyone. THANK YOU all for any advice...always learning.
So.........I have given her the babies...checked on her early this am...she is doing a great job so far....scrambled her egg and have to get chick food today....gave them a waterer with electolytes in it, we are having extremely hot temps here...she is in her own brooder box...a big one.....seems happy.They are located under our wood shelter, not in the pen and the coop with the others...will they be accepted later? Will the other hens be used to them as time goes on?....so many questions.... I just need to know if there is anything else I need to be doing....she has not wanted to come out in the yard yet.....we have 21 others who will be free ranging in about 4 hours.....she will protect her babies I am sure? This is a first time for me having a hen raise chicks, so I want to do all the correct things and protect everyone. THANK YOU all for any advice...always learning.