Broody Hen hatching out her own eggs.

[Handall House]

We have a bantam broody hen that began 21 days ago sitting on her own eggs and those of a black australop. One of the chicks hatched today and I'm wondering if the regular layer pellets are O.K. for the chicks when the hen is raising them herself and the chicks have access to the outside. Is chick feed necessary? Would appreciate any advice people have in this area.

 

[JekkaLynn]

When we use to have hens hatching chicks we would build creep feeders for the chicks. A wood frame with wire around a feeder with chick starter and a door too small for a hen to get in. Since it is wire the hen could still see her babies but she couldn't steal their food.

 

[Percheron chick]

Feed them all chick mash. The layer pellets are too large for the chicks as well as nutritionally bad for them. The hen will not lay while she's brooding so chick starter is fine for her.

 

[Handall House]

Thanks for the advice. Still just the one chick that has hatched. I switched the food to chick starter and both Mom and chick are eating well. It looks as if Mom's focus is off the eggs and on the chick. Not sure the rest will hatch because she is off the nest so often.