Baby chicks hatched outside with broody hen

[citychicks99]

I'm used to hearing baby chicks chirp all the time but these are really quiet. Is that normal? I only heard one or two chirps in the morning and one other time when one of them was talking to the mom.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I'm used to hearing baby chicks chirp all the time but these are really quiet. Is that normal? I only heard one or two chirps in the morning and one other time when one of them was talking to the mom.

Can you get a peek under her and see how many hatched?

 

[citychicks99]

Can you get a peek under her and see how many hatched?

Unfortunately, no. She made her nest far back in the bushes. There are too many branches and berry thorns poking out. I would have to cut them away if we really need to get to her.

Speaking of, when would I need to resort to that and pry them from their nest? I think the last time the hen came out was yesterday morning before I left food and water out :/ I hope she came out again yesterday but I don't know for sure. Tomorrow would be day 23. When's the latest that baby chicks will hatch? I'm worried that the one that did hatch hasn't come out all day to drink water either.

 

[Paz]

Unfortunately, no. She made her nest far back in the bushes. There are too many branches and berry thorns poking out. I would have to cut them away if we really need to get to her.

Speaking of, when would I need to resort to that and pry them from their nest? I think the last time the hen came out was yesterday morning before I left food and water out :/ I hope she came out again yesterday but I don't know for sure. Tomorrow would be day 23. When's the latest that baby chicks will hatch? I'm worried that the one that did hatch hasn't come out all day to drink water either.

I bet they’d come out when the mother thinks they’re thirsty or hungry. She may have already destroyed a few eggs, and gave it to the born chicks, so they wouldn’t have to come out of the nest.

 

[citychicks99]

They finally came out to eat! It looks like there are 5 chicks. I counted 13 eggs. Will more come out? When should I move them into the coop? I'm afraid I might startle and scare them.. it's 67 degrees here.. pretty chilly. It will rain on Friday and be 53 degrees. Will they need supplemental heat?

 

[aart]

I counted 13 eggs. Will more come out?

Realize that some of the eggs in that nest were laid after she started setting,
creating what is called a staggered hatch.
You'll have to cut back the brush to get to the nest and remove the remaining eggs.

 

[citychicks99]

Realize that some of the eggs in that nest were laid after she started setting,
creating what is called a staggered hatch.
You'll have to cut back the brush to get to the nest and remove the remaining eggs.

I spoke too soon. She hasn't abandoned the nest yet. I'm not sure if more chicks will come out or if they're going to try and live there. I moved a small chick house over and fenced off the area so the other chickens can't bother them.

 

[Paz]

I spoke too soon. She hasn't abandoned the nest yet. I'm not sure if more chicks will come out or if they're going to try and live there. I moved a small chick house over and fenced off the area so the other chickens can't bother them.

No heat needed if there’s a mother. But giving them something against rain will be great.

 

[citychicks99]

No heat needed if there’s a mother. But giving them something against rain will be great.

We put this little coop out. I'm not sure if it will suffice. We're expected to have rain from Friday into the weekend and next week. It might be an issue when they come out to eat. I'm going to see if I can catch them and bring them in the coop tomorrow. If not, I will have to see how I can put up a tarp for them. I'm not sure how I would move them if the chicks are hiding in the mother.

 

[Yardmom]

The mother will protect the chicks from the weather. (I have had hens raise chicks in the winter with temps in the teens F). Obviously predators have not found her yet, but is she in a place that is secure from predators? Also many people allow hens to raise the chicks in the flock. I separate hens while they sit on eggs, but let them return to the flock shortly after hatch. As far as moving her just catch her and the chicks after dark. If the bush is a problem put on some gloves and grab her during the day with an assistant to grab the chicks. Chances are she will squat on the chicks and be easy to catch.