Brand new to chickens and have a baby - need help ASAP!!

[bradymom29]

We inherited 5 chickens + rooster with our new house. One of the hens w broody and they left her to sit on the eggs. We had 2 baby chicks and 1 died, now we're left with one. On the suggestion of a friend, we separated the mama/baby - we just created a makeshift nesting box in a cardboard box in the corner of the coop. They have food/water in there.

We just got a couple of books, but I'm so overwhelmed and just am not finding easily the info we need. Here are my questions:

When do we let these 2 out into the yard? Do they need to be able to get out of the box?

Does the chick need special food?

Do we have to keep them separate from the other chickens?

What else do I need to know to keep this mama/baby happy?

 

[GitaBooks]

Sorry it took so long to reply.

Here is what I do for my broodies and their chicks:
I keep them in a crate around 4 ft long and 2.5 ft wide for the first week of life, with food, water, and a nesting corner. I use hay for bedding. I then let them out into a larger pen, made from an old chicken tractor, until the chicks are nearing fully feathered, around 3-4 weeks of age, locking them up in the crate at night for predator protection.
I, however, have aggressive hens, which is why I keep them inside so long, others let theirs out sooner.

The chick and its mother should be given starter food for the first week or two or else starter/grower for the first 20 weeks. The mother isn't laying, so the baby food isn't bad for her. They love treats of scrambled eggs, wheat bread, and watermelon, as well as insects.

If your other hens aren't aggressive, you don't have to worry, however, make sure the chick can't get stuck, lost, chilled, or fall into any water.

A dust bath is always a favorite for a new mother. Chicks need to learn to perch, so a small branch will teach it how to keep its balance and use its wings. Make sure that the feeder and waterer are easy for the chick access. I feet on a dish for the first while, so the chick can easily get to the food.

Best of luck!