theblondeangler
In the Brooder
Ok, this is my first time experiencing broody hens hatching chicks.
I have a concern and need advice:
We are in the dead of winter here in Connecticut and I'm worried that if I allow the hens to hatch out chicks, they wont survive due to the cold temps in the coop. Even if the hen gets off the chicks/nest for even 10 minutes to eat/drink at just a few days old they can die. My second concern is if I leave the chicks in the coop with the hens, I will have to change all the chicken feed over to chick starter which is just not practical for my 40 birds.
So my question is, do I let the chicks hatch naturally in the coop and then bring them inside the house and put them in the Brooder with the hens and let them raise their babies inside? And should I keep the two hens that are broody and hatching eggs separate from one another or can I put two hens in the same brooder with the chicks? help!
I have a concern and need advice:
We are in the dead of winter here in Connecticut and I'm worried that if I allow the hens to hatch out chicks, they wont survive due to the cold temps in the coop. Even if the hen gets off the chicks/nest for even 10 minutes to eat/drink at just a few days old they can die. My second concern is if I leave the chicks in the coop with the hens, I will have to change all the chicken feed over to chick starter which is just not practical for my 40 birds.
So my question is, do I let the chicks hatch naturally in the coop and then bring them inside the house and put them in the Brooder with the hens and let them raise their babies inside? And should I keep the two hens that are broody and hatching eggs separate from one another or can I put two hens in the same brooder with the chicks? help!