Broody Hen Thread!

[fisherlady]

Is it ok for me to pick up eggs and add straw to a nest when the broody hen goes to eat? She is nested behind a bush in mulch and didn't know if I needed to add straw for added warmth.

I have added bedding to nests many times, hens don't seem to care much as long as location isn't changed, I don't usually add a lot, just enough to provide a cushion under the eggs and help create a dish shape for them to lay in. Hopefully she will not mind your changes.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I have added bedding to nests many times, hens don't seem to care much as long as location isn't changed, I don't usually add a lot, just enough to provide a cushion under the eggs and help create a dish shape for them to lay in. Hopefully she will not mind your changes.

x2

LofMc

 

[WildHens]

Is it ok for me to pick up eggs and add straw to a nest when the broody hen goes to eat? She is nested behind a bush in mulch and didn't know if I needed to add straw for added warmth.

It won't hurt... how long has she been setting? I'd use it as a chance to candle and toss any duds and freshen her nest.

 

[blessings6]

I have two chicks that hatched sometime Saturday. My coop is off the ground. And the ramp is pretty steep right now i have it blocked so the chickens can get in and out but the chicks can't. When will it be safe to let the chicks navigate the ramp?

 

[WildHens]

I have two chicks that hatched sometime Saturday. My coop is off the ground. And the ramp is pretty steep right now i have it blocked so the chickens can get in and out but the chicks can't. When will it be safe to let the chicks navigate the ramp?

Are they with a hen?

 

[blessings6]

Are they with a hen?

yes.

 

[WildHens]

yes.

Mine had her babies climbing up on ledges in her pen when they're about 3 or 4 days old. . But I'd say as long as they're with her, they'll be okay.. she's a silkie so everything is less than a foot off the ground, but 2 of her 4 chicks aren't silkies and they're about 3 weeks old and they're already trying to get higher to roost than mom does.
Know that's not a ton of help..

 

[fisherlady]

Typically the littles are pretty mobile by 3 or 4 days old, but the issue is with them not understanding the concept of ramps and being afraid of the new and scary sights outside...our hens usually begin taking the chicks out by 4 or 5 days but we are careful to frequently check to make sure none have gotten separated from the group, in late afternoon or early evening it is essential to check that everyone got back in. After the first week of roaming they are usuaaly really good with it, but we still do a head count every evening.

 

[WildHens]

Typically the littles are pretty mobile by 3 or 4 days old, but the issue is with them not understanding the concept of ramps and being afraid of the new and scary sights outside...our hens usually begin taking the chicks out by 4 or 5 days but we are careful to frequently check to make sure none have gotten separated from the group, in late afternoon or early evening it is essential to check that everyone got back in. After the first week of roaming they are usuaaly really good with it, but we still do a head count every evening.

That's the perfect set up for little ones..all kinds of little boosts for them to use. I do the same thing, lay logs and pieces of wood of different sizes anywhere that they may need to get up to and may get lost or not be able to figure out the "main" route..

 

[fisherlady]

That's the perfect set up for little ones..all kinds of little boosts for them to use. I do the same thing, lay logs and pieces of wood of different sizes anywhere that they may need to get up to and may get lost or not be able to figure out the "main" route..

Yep, because there is always one in every clutch who becomes the 'problem child'.... constantly lost or having some kind of trouble! LOL