Babies due any day NOW WHAT HELP

[Gracie156]

I have a hen with 6 eggs due to hatch this week, what do I do? do I get food? does she walk away and shes done ? does she feed them? keep them warm ? I'm clueless. She layed them in and old rabbit hutch and I just left her alone. I dont want them with the others right ( they have a coop and run free on the property.

 

[cheryl98117]

Just make sure she has food and water. She will keep the chicks warm, show them how and what to eat, where to get water, ect... Take a deep breath, it will be ok. I agree with you, do your best to keep the other birds seperated from her and the chicks, at least until they are a bit older.

Congrats on your mamma and eggs!

 

[vnploveschickens]

In most cases, Momma Hen will take excellent care of the chicks! In fact, it is so amazing to watch! Just keep an eye on them, make sure there is starter food (medicated..or not) and water. Momma can eat the starter, she'll need the extra nutrition.

You might want to let them out, to explore the grounds, get exercise.

Congats, please keep us updated.

 

[Gracie156]

Thank you both so much, I just started to panic the closer I got she just did this on her own and I thought why not. And if I screwed up I would feel horrible.

Thnaks again
Donna
Vacaville, Ca

 

[Gracie156]

She hatching them, I hear 1 and say half a shell she ate a handful of chick food from my hand poor thing is hungry, will they just appear or should I peek under her? I don't want to bug her to much...boy am I excited