9 Babies! Momma Hen adopted them!

[Acre4Me]

Yesterday we picked up 9 baby chicks (hatch date Feb 20). Four EE, two Barred Rock, Three Black Australorp. We kept them in the bin till late at night, and put this bin near to the pellet stove. It was quite warm in front of the stove, but they were in a plastic bin with the lid partially on to keep in warmth, but provide ventilation. They were all pressed up against the sides of the bin for the hottest spot (and walking around, drinking water + eating food)! We made sure they were all drinking, gave them electrolytes and a couple of them seemed a bit weak. So, we gave them all a tiny bit of Nutri-Drench, followed by water, and the weaker ones all perked up noticeably! We will have to keep an eye on them, though.

Later last night we then snuck them under our broody momma hen (she's in a brooder box inside the barn). Its cold in the barn and snow and ice outside, so we were a little concerned about adoption by momma and any of them getting away from her. Also, concerned if she was broody enough to accept the chicks. However, she adopted a batch last fall, and did great, and this time she's been broody for approx 2.5 weeks at least.

This morning, couldn't even see a single chick peeking out anywhere and it was quiet. We had to lift up her fluff and feathers to see any chicks and then they started peeping! So cute! Here's pics!

SOOOOOO Fluffy!!! We named this one "Fudge"

 

[sourland]

Well done on her part and on yours.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

This looks so exciting! And they are cute as buttons.

 

[Trux]

Great job!!

 

[chickens really]

Great Broody Hen to adopt them so easily...

 

[DobieLover]

Too cute! I am so jealous.

 

[MissChick@dee]

What a good girl!

 

[Acre4Me]

Well, one of the nine chicks died today. Not sure why, as it wasn't giving off any particular signs of ill health. But, sometimes you never know. On the positive side, the two chicks that seemed a bit weak/lethargic at first have rebounded, and are acting like energetic little chicks. We gave them electrolytes and those particular two got a small drop of Nutri-Drench once a day for two days, followed by making sure they were drinking fresh water. The Nutri-Drench seemed to help a lot. A couple had a small bit of poopy butt the first day, but we cleaned them up and today, they were fine, so hopefully that continues.