Broody hen

[kkcummins]

My question is about feeding and watering a broody hen. I have a Black Australorp hen that I have allowed to have some eggs. The first one hatched yesterday (05/29/14). I have not seen any evidence of the hen leaving the nest to eat, drink or relieve herself. is this something to worry about or am I being an over concered chicken grandma? Also when do I start showing the chick(s) where the food and water are? please help, this my first time hatching chicks.

 

[Judy]

Usually the mama will stay on the nest for a day or two with the chicks, then leave the nest and teach them to eat and drink. The chicks can live for about 3 days on the yolk they absorbed during hatching. She probably knows what she is doing. Just have chick feed available, and no layer, which can harm the chicks. The flock can eat chick feed just fine.