a quick question or two!

[JodyJo]

Can I ask a question or two without everyone getting upset I did not read through all 941 pages of this thread for the answers?

My Australorp went broody 2 weeks ago, we are coming up on hatch date next Sat or so...she has one of her own eggs, and I slipped 4 EE eggs under her...so far very dedicated from what I see.

She was off the nest this am, (its on the floor under the roost) I felt the eggs, they seemed 'cool', not cold..she was back on it within a few min.

Now, the question is: how long is too long for her to be off the nest before they cease to be viable?

#2...when and if they hatch...do I need to separate them away from the flock, they will need chick starter correct? Should I be preparing an area for mom and babies to go?

Sorry my first time with any hens hatching any babes...I know there are no stupid questions in the forum, but I feel I should just read all the posts to find the answers, just don't have time to look through 900+ pages!

Thanks so much!

 

[cashdl]

The eggs are fine with her getting off the nest so don't worry about that. I have a hen who got off the nest while babies were hatching and they hatched just fine.

I would definately move them to their own coop once they hatch. Many people have good success with the hen protecting her babies from other members of the flock but babies are stupid and have had first time hens lose a baby or two to the other hens in the flock pecking them to death because they wouldn't stay close to mom. Best to move them if you have the space.

Lanae

 

[JodyJo]

thanks....that was my thought too, I do have the room, so I will start preparing something else soon.