Hi,
A few weeks ago one of my hens went broody. I didn't expect anything to actually be able to hatch because it was actually below zero, but I left the eggs under her anyway.This morning I lifted up the broody to discover three small chicks. They're in a nestbox right now, and the other chickens do not seem intent on bothering them. It's below freezing, but the coop is heated to stay above freezing.
My question is, what is the next step?
I admit I was somewhat unprepared for this possibility. Should I let them stay in the coop with their mom? Should I bring all of them into the garage or basement? Should I set up a brooder or a separate part of the coop?
Thanks,
Earlybird
A few weeks ago one of my hens went broody. I didn't expect anything to actually be able to hatch because it was actually below zero, but I left the eggs under her anyway.This morning I lifted up the broody to discover three small chicks. They're in a nestbox right now, and the other chickens do not seem intent on bothering them. It's below freezing, but the coop is heated to stay above freezing.
My question is, what is the next step?
I admit I was somewhat unprepared for this possibility. Should I let them stay in the coop with their mom? Should I bring all of them into the garage or basement? Should I set up a brooder or a separate part of the coop?
Thanks,
Earlybird