I have 4 hens and one rooster who during the day are free range. They go back into the coop at night after which we close the doors for the night. 2 of my hens are now in the process of hatching a total of 15 eggs. At last check 6 of them had fully hatched with one being 1/2 out of shell. {very exciting for me as this is my first hatching}.
So far I've left them be. They are in the community nest which I check everyday to pull out the new eggs from the other 2 hens. The eggs started hatching yesterday. We did put a container of water specially for the chicks in the nesting area. My question is -- Do we have to separate them??? Can we let nature take its course letting the mom's take care of them as they would if we weren't watching every move they make?? If we separate them do we cage the hens and the babies or {sob, sob} take the babies away from the moms.
I really want to make sure my babies survive so any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated. We do plan on going to the feed store tomorrow to buy chick starter.
So far I've left them be. They are in the community nest which I check everyday to pull out the new eggs from the other 2 hens. The eggs started hatching yesterday. We did put a container of water specially for the chicks in the nesting area. My question is -- Do we have to separate them??? Can we let nature take its course letting the mom's take care of them as they would if we weren't watching every move they make?? If we separate them do we cage the hens and the babies or {sob, sob} take the babies away from the moms.
I really want to make sure my babies survive so any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated. We do plan on going to the feed store tomorrow to buy chick starter.
