Accidental broody

[pinkrblu]

I have been in the hospital and rehab since May 13. My daughter has been taking care of the chickens since then. She forgot to gather eggs and a hen went broody. Today, she saw four chicks. What should I have her do for them u til I go home either tomorrow or Tuesday?

 

[Poultrybreeder]

have her put them in their own cage with medicated baby food and water

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Make sure there is food and water available for them. Are they somewhere safe? Where did she brood them? Nestbox? On the floor? It can help sometimes to separate the family into a temporary pen or fence to keep everyone together and safe, and so the food and water are close.

 

[pinkrblu]

The family is is in a nestbox about six inches off the ground.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They should be moved to the floor if possible as chicks will often hop out and will die unless the hen comes off the nest which they generally don't do for a day or two.