chick question/weather?

[grasspack]

Hello,

I am in NH where it is sleeting and about 30 degrees today. Yuck...anyhow....I have a speckled sussex hen that has been on a nest of 7 eggs. She is over in the corner of our pole barn. I built a pen around her to keep her safe and gave her own water and food. She has been laying for a while now and I thought the eggs were probably infertile. BUT, I went out this morning and she had one little chick peaking out from under her wing This is my first year with a rooster so the first time I have had fertile eggs. Will she be able to keep the baby warm in this weather? Would I be better off bringing it in and setting up a brooder? I really want to grow my flock so I want this baby to survive. Any help would be appreciated.

Appreciate any advice.

Alice
NH

 

[joedie]

She should be able to keep the chicks warm enough. It's how they've done it for years without our help.

 

[grasspack]

Thanks for getting back to me. I thought it was a little early for her to start sitting, but we have had the mildest winter in history. I think we may pay with a very cold March. That baby was so cute. So hard not to pick it up and bring it in. But I won't. I want them raised with the flock so I don't have to "reintroduce" them back into it. I do have her seperated with fencing though so the other hens won't bother her.

Appreciate the help.

Alice

 

[Egghead_Jr]

After this next little cold snap for Monday those chickies will be home free. Our extended forecast is calling for highs of 40/ lows of 30. Your providing them with chick starter right? Might as well switch your entire flock over. Your chicks shouldn't be fed layer mix. Just provide a calcium source free choice for your flock. I've found it impossible to keep separate feed types as we free range.

 

[grasspack]

Hello

Yes, I put some chick starter out there. It has to be non medicated if I am going to feed it to everyone correct?

Thanks again
Alice