Broody hatch novice

[kari_dawn]

I did try to introduce it to mom, but found that the chick that I introduced the previous night had been pecked to death, and mom wanted nothing to do with this baby. There's another chick pipping in the incubator, but the little couch potato has opened a window to watch the world, and has been perfectly content watching the world go by all day (but that chick is far more active than this little one was at that phase). This little chick has kinda been chillin in the incubator all day. I did try to give it some water earlier, and while it did drink what it got when I dipped it's beak, it didn't try to drink anything else on it's own. I also offered food, which it completely ignored.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Not all broodies will take chicks that didn't hatch under them.

Chicks won't eat for a day or two after hatching. That's what that yolk is for, to feed them for a few days.

 

[kari_dawn]

I figured this might be considered day two, so it wouldn't hurt to offer, and I didn't really expect her to take them. She should have stopped being broody about the time my hatchery order arrived, and she refused those babies (they terrified her) *shrug*

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's why it's so hard to give advice about a broody. They are all different. The minute I think I got this stuff figured out the chickens change the rule.

 

[kari_dawn]

haha I am just glad she's a good, determined mom. I have some blue orpingtons that I am hoping she will be around to incubate and hatch for...this time, it hopefully won't happen when I am out of town and unable to control the variables!