Broody Hatched a baby!

[jendodd79]

There could end up being 3, but one hatched last night! She's in a regular nesting box in our coop - what should I do now? Are they OK to stay there? (I have another broody beside her). The other laying hens usually try to get in that box to lay throughout the day, and I don't want the babe getting squished. Am I an overprotective chick mom, or should I put the mom, eggs and babe in a crate for now?

 

[JanO]

Just leave her alone. She'll stay on the nest with the chick for 2 or 3 days, giving the other eggs a chance to hatch and keeping the chick protected. When she's ready she'll bring the chick, or chicks, out of the nest for food and water then find a place on the floor to protect her chicks and raise them until she is ready to integrate them. During this time she'll bring them out from time to time to feed. She'll protect them with a vengeance from the rest of the flock so there's no need to worry. Some people say to separate them and put chick starter out. I have never done this with hens/chicks that hatch naturally and have never had any problems.

 

[jendodd79]

Thank you!!