Careing for chicks

[Sandra Verbreyt]

Hello, My two chickens Ruby and Betty have been broody for a long time. A friend of mine who also has chickens has given me two fertilised eggs for my girls to sit on. My problem is when they hatch I dont have a clue what to do. Do I leave them in the coop where they hatch with their mother or do I need to remove them from the coop? What do I feed them on and do I need to assist with this or will Ruby look after the chicks herself. They are due to hatch about 1st July and I am begining to worry about how I take care of them or will their mother hen do it ? ANY help or advice will be very much appreciated.

 

[The Happster]

I like to keep my broody & chicks in a separate shed, but I know there are other people that leave them with the flock. While the chicks are hatching I keep any other hens out and after they have hatched I move her to the coop I want to use. I buy chick crumb (I get mine from the local pet store) and let the hen eat it too, but you might want to take her separately to eat layers as it can be eggspensive.
The hen will teach them everything.
After a couple days I start letting them out more and more so the mother can get them digging. It's also good for their immune systems for them to get out.
It might be easier for you to have one hen hatch both eggs.
Hope this helps a bit?
And really, it amazes me every time just how much the hen does! She knows what she is doing.

I just realized your 'flock' consists of two birds. In which case maybe it is easier to let them both hatch. Don't want one getting lonely. And if so they should be fine hatching where they are.