Keeber
In the Brooder
My little chick isn't quite so little anymore, but I still have it in the basement brooder box. I have a silkie that seems to always be broody. I think she carries rocks into the nesting box to sit on. The last time I introduced new members to my flock, I had to put ceramic nest eggs into my laying box to convince the new hens to stop laying everywhere but! Any who, I must have missed a real egg that had gotten a little dirty. On Christmas morning, I went out to feed my chickens and kept hearing a peep, peep. I find an egg chick that has partially hatched. Having brooded a batch of store bought chicks, I carried this egg into the basement, put it in the brooder, and hung my lamp. Now, almost 7 weeks later, I have a feathered out bird. My question is whether I can put this one out with my flock yet, or even into my chicken tractor that is nearby. We have had a few night down into the upper 30s still and since we have had a fairly mild winter so far, I wouldn't be surprised if we get snow in March. At the time it hatched, I had 5 roosters, and really feared that one of them would kill the chick. I'm now down to one rooster as the others have found new flocks.
I fully understand that it's probably best to hatch multiples at one time, however I only have the one. Any opinions, or experiences anyone would like to share?
I fully understand that it's probably best to hatch multiples at one time, however I only have the one. Any opinions, or experiences anyone would like to share?