At a loss

[CDennis]

O chick hatched out today, was being smashed by mother and other eggs, I was able to get the eggs off however now its just laying next to mom breathing heavy. Do I leave it (is this normal) should I try to put it back under mom? I don't have a brooder or I would just take the chick, I do have a space heater but I am not sure it that is the best route any suggestions. This is the first time I have allowed a broody hen to sit, now I am regretting that decisions big time!

 

[farmin'chick]

Brooder for 1 = cardboard box, trouble light w/ 40 - 100 watt bulb, wire screen for top of box, chick feeder and waterer -- difference in bulb watts is depends on if you're keeping him inside and how warm the room is -- should keep his atmosphere around 90 - 95 deg. for first week, lower 5 deg. a week until ambient temp. You can do it! Best to line with paper towelling for first few days, sprinkle feed on towel, if you use a dish instead of chick waterer, fill w/ marbles so he doesn't drown. Dip his beak in water, tap your finger like pecking in feed to get him started.

 

[CDennis]

Thanks, I'll go for it...hope my DH understands why a chick now lives in our bathroom

If you can think of any other pointers please write back!

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Good luck with that little baby, awwwwwwwwwwww he will!

 

[Judy]

???

I would have left it with mom. Hatching is hard work and it takes some time, maybe hours, for them to recover.

 

[smoothmule]

Has this hen ever raised chicks? If she has and she has been a good mother hen, I would keep the chick in your warm and safe box in the house until the others hatch and your little guy in the house is stronger then I would slip him back under the hen at night with the others. I'm talking no more than another day or two.

How many eggs is she still setting on? Are there more hatching today? If no more hatch by tomorrow, then go out at night, take the eggs that aren't going to hatch and slip the chick under her to have one to raise. How many days has she been setting?