Baby chicks due tomorrow from MPC. I have two hens, a broocdy BO and a non-broody EE.
Am thinking about giving the chicks to the BO as she has been broody for a full month with no signs of letting up. My questions are:
1) will the EE feel left out or try to hurt the chicks? In which case do I need to separate the mamma and babies into the indoor brooder and leave the EE all alone in the coop?
2) the nest box where the broody is hanging out is at counter level - how do I manage the babies at that height? Do I pit them outside with mama when I make her go out for food and water or just keep food and water in the nestnbox and keep them all inside 24/7?
3) if I keep the EE separate from the broody and babies, when and how to I start to integrate her back in with the new flock?
Thanks for any and all advice!
Am thinking about giving the chicks to the BO as she has been broody for a full month with no signs of letting up. My questions are:
1) will the EE feel left out or try to hurt the chicks? In which case do I need to separate the mamma and babies into the indoor brooder and leave the EE all alone in the coop?
2) the nest box where the broody is hanging out is at counter level - how do I manage the babies at that height? Do I pit them outside with mama when I make her go out for food and water or just keep food and water in the nestnbox and keep them all inside 24/7?
3) if I keep the EE separate from the broody and babies, when and how to I start to integrate her back in with the new flock?
Thanks for any and all advice!