Chicks hatching soon! Couple questions....

[Chicks Galore3]

I am SO excited for my eggs to hatch! They hatch Friday. I am wondering if they can survive on all flock feed until Saturday morning....For some reason I forgot they would need to eat and so do not have chick feed. Also, once they hatch, should I move broody and chicks out of the nesting box? It's about 10-12 inches off the ground. I have an old kitty little box I was thinking of putting them in because it has little lip and it has a top.

 

[broodyhen2]

If you are stuck for chick feed hard boil eggs and finely mash them. That kitty box sounds all right provided the hen and chicks have enough room to move around. A small attachable run so the hen can go outside with her chicks would also do nicely.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I'll just go ahead and get the feed. Also, this will be the first time for broody-mama...is there anything special I should do? How can you tell when they're about to hatch? Should I be there?

 

[broodyhen2]

The hen will be well able to raise the chicks and it would nearly be better if you left her in peace while hatching. Hopefully you should hear peeping and a little head sticking out from the hens feathers. Once the hen leaves the nest with her chicks it must be cleaned out to remove eggshells

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Would it be okay to be gone all day until 4:00 when they hatch? Is that too risky? My dad and sister will be home. I'm scared as a first time mother she won't know what to do with the chicks.

 

[broodyhen2]

No its not risky at all. The mother will know what to do don't worry