Boattale here

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Boattale

In the Brooder
Mar 3, 2023
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New member. Had chickens previously, gave up for a while after predator problems but now I built a predator proof (well, highly resistant) pen, redid the coop and now have five hens and one rooster. Hens have been laying great. The lone speckled sussex is in the family way. So I'm here for information on what I should do to help her get some chicks raised.
 
CloneFly said:
Welcome to the BYC! It's great to have you! Has your Sussex been broody as of late?
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After looking at more chicken types I believe she is a Wyandotte rather than a Sussex. She started the first part of the week. Sitting on currently five eggs and only leaving for a few minutes for food and water. Figuring out the best way to get her a nice safe home to raise some chicks. Thinking a 4'x4" dog exercise run with hay, food, water and a nest box, Covered to keep her in and everything else out. Outdoors but under roof and out of the weather. What I'm a little unsure of is how much privacy I need to provide.
 
Welcome to BYC.
I leave my broodies with the flock. By not segregating them, I don't have to reintroduce them and the chicks. Unless you have some mean girls, you may find it easier to do the same.
I set them up in a brooder cage inside the coop. I put them out to dust bath, eat, and drink 2x a day. After the chicks hatch, I place food and water in the brooder. The 2nd or 3rd day, I just let mom take them out with the flock. They usually go back and sleep in the brooder for a couple of weeks before roosting.
If you are feeding a layer feed, I'd suggest switching your entire flock to a flock raiser feed or a grower feed with around 18 to 22% protein. Oyster shell can be placed in a seperate container for the hens.
 

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