Broody had chicks, 0' degrees on the way

[Ash_lie]

Hello All!

I have a broody hatching out some chicks (actually they are hatching right now and over the next few days), this week the temperatures are supposed to dip into the single digits and one night go to -1. Will they chicks be okay? I know mama can keep them warm, but what about when they venture out from under her to eat and drink? Should I bring them all indoors, mama and babies?

Mama is currently closed into the coop with her nest, food, and water.

This is my first time hatching eggs and am learning as I go.

Thanks!
Ashlie

 

[ChickenCanoe]

She will keep them warm but it is a concern about food and water at those temps. When that has happened to me, I've put a heat lamp over the food and water station to both keep the water thawed but also to give them a comfort zone while eating and drinking.
It might not hurt to bring them into a warmer space for a week or so or till the temps moderate. We're going to be below zero at night too and a couple weeks before the temps get above freezing.
Do you have a space that stays above freezing but not at room temperature. You don't want them acclimated to indoor temps and then have to go out into single digits.

 

[Ash_lie]

I do! My Laundry room/Basement is kept at room temps. I think your right, I should bring them in until this spell passes. My highest concern was keeping the water thawed in the coop, and putting a heater in the coop scares me because of the risks that come along with it. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

 

[ahs]

I am in the same situation. I saw the first hatched chick today and there are 5 more eggs under the hen. It is supposed to be low teens the next few days and zero next week. I can change water out multiple times a day this week since I am off work until the 3rd. But after that what do I do with them? I suppose I could move them all to the garage. But for how long?

Ashlie - what would you keep mama and chicks in in your basement? Just curious and trying to think of what to put them in if I move them to the garage.

 

[chickens really]

I am in the same situation. I saw the first hatched chick today and there are 5 more eggs under the hen. It is supposed to be low teens the next few days and zero next week. I can change water out multiple times a day this week since I am off work until the 3rd. But after that what do I do with them? I suppose I could move them all to the garage. But for how long?

Ashlie - what would you keep mama and chicks in in your basement? Just curious and trying to think of what to put them in if I move them to the garage.

Hello you could use a large appliance Box, plywood brooder with wire top...Just ensure you place a wire top so Momma does not get out..

 

[Ash_lie]

I am in the same situation. I saw the first hatched chick today and there are 5 more eggs under the hen. It is supposed to be low teens the next few days and zero next week. I can change water out multiple times a day this week since I am off work until the 3rd. But after that what do I do with them? I suppose I could move them all to the garage. But for how long?

Ashlie - what would you keep mama and chicks in in your basement? Just curious and trying to think of what to put them in if I move them to the garage.

Hello! I brought my mama and 6 eggs in yesterday to our unheated mudroom instead of the basement. We have mama in a cardboard box with bedding, food, and water. The first hatchling popped out around 3pm, I figured it better for it to hatch inside than outside and be carried in with mama freaking out. I am going to keep my brood in until this cold spell is over which for me in upstate NY is going to be around 2 weeks. Then I will acclimate them back to the coop (if my nerves can handle it ha ha). I have been assured by many chicken keeper friends that mama really can keep them warm and healthy. I just couldn't have them out in the single and minus single digits. I have a heated waterer in the run, but not the coop... and I want to keep them in the coop for awhile.

Feel free to reach out, would love to know how your babies do!

 

[Ash_lie]

Hello you could use a large appliance Box, plywood brooder with wire top...Just ensure you place a wire top so Momma does not get out..

Thank you! This is what I've done. Shes in a small maternity ward lol for now, then will get a bigger box. Shes a silkie, so she wont jump out

 

[chickens really]

Thank you! This is what I've done. Shes in a small maternity ward lol for now, then will get a bigger box. Shes a silkie, so she wont jump out

Crazy Alice is a Silkie cross and she can jump out..She had her Chicks up on the lawn tractor and took me forever to catch everyone..lol

 

[ahs]

Hello! I brought my mama and 6 eggs in yesterday to our unheated mudroom instead of the basement. We have mama in a cardboard box with bedding, food, and water. The first hatchling popped out around 3pm, I figured it better for it to hatch inside than outside and be carried in with mama freaking out. I am going to keep my brood in until this cold spell is over which for me in upstate NY is going to be around 2 weeks. Then I will acclimate them back to the coop (if my nerves can handle it ha ha). I have been assured by many chicken keeper friends that mama really can keep them warm and healthy. I just couldn't have them out in the single and minus single digits. I have a heated waterer in the run, but not the coop... and I want to keep them in the coop for awhile.

Feel free to reach out, would love to know how your babies do!

Yay! For the first chick.

I think there are at least 2 but I can't tell, they are under her and it is so cold I don't want to open the big door to the coop unless I have to. My husband does not want me to bring her in.

I am trying to figure out if i do the best way to move everyone. I am not sure if all the eggs have hatched yet and am afraid to move her until that is done. It is 10 degrees right now with a windchill of -1. High today is 22. Lows next week of 0.

 

[chickens really]

Chicks will be okay as Momma Hatches..Keep watching and Move her later...