Hello all,
I have an order in for baby chicks that should arrive any day now. The current flock has been dwindled down to 2 (from the original 4) hens, and one of them has been broody for weeks. This is my first time adding new chickens to an existing flock so I would appreciate some advice.
First, I'm going to try to give the chicks to the broody so she'll "adopt" them, but I'm thinking I should keep them in a brooder for a few days to make sure they're healthy. Would that be alright?
Second, would I need to separate the broody and chicks from my other hen? (remember, there is only one other.) Or would the other girl be unbothered by Broody's babies? They get along well, for the most part, but Broody is picked on sometimes.
Last, our coop set up, which is probably pretty standard, has the coop elevated with a ramp to the run. Should I try and put a shelter down below so the chicks don't have to deal with the ramp, or should I plan for them to stay cooped up until they're ready to go down on their own?
I appreciate any tips! xx
I have an order in for baby chicks that should arrive any day now. The current flock has been dwindled down to 2 (from the original 4) hens, and one of them has been broody for weeks. This is my first time adding new chickens to an existing flock so I would appreciate some advice.
First, I'm going to try to give the chicks to the broody so she'll "adopt" them, but I'm thinking I should keep them in a brooder for a few days to make sure they're healthy. Would that be alright?
Second, would I need to separate the broody and chicks from my other hen? (remember, there is only one other.) Or would the other girl be unbothered by Broody's babies? They get along well, for the most part, but Broody is picked on sometimes.
Last, our coop set up, which is probably pretty standard, has the coop elevated with a ramp to the run. Should I try and put a shelter down below so the chicks don't have to deal with the ramp, or should I plan for them to stay cooped up until they're ready to go down on their own?
I appreciate any tips! xx