Clutch under hen due to crack in two days!

[MamaJohnson]

I think the most important reason behind separating them is feed - you don't want those tiny little babies eating layer feed, and trust me, if their Momma does, they will too! Our first ever successful hatching was just over a week ago (

) and it's awesome!! I love watching the new little family. "Lacey" is the Momma, and she is amazing at teaching those little fuzz balls all a chicken should know. I have her separated with Chick Starter though to make sure those babies get off to a good start. Good luck to Henny Penny!

 

[littlekit]

Aww, Thanks MamaJohnson send me a pic of the little family. I am very excited and also want these little fluff balls to be healthy and happy.

 

[littlekit]

Any thoughts about the ramp in the separate coop? Should I take it out and/or block the upper level when I put mama hen and baby chicks in there?

 

[MareeZoCool]

Let her sit right where she is. She feels safe, is confident that her chicks will be safe. She'll be ready to move after those chicks grow a few weeks, and gain some independence. Let momma hen have the time she needs to be with her eggs and peeps. You can relax and enjoy yourself.

 

[littlekit]

Mareezocool,
You mean do not move her to the separate coop for three weeks? But the other posters said to move her after the chicks are hatched.
Now I'm confused.
Can someone be clear about what you think I should do and when? Thank you all so much.

 

[chicks4kids]

It doesn't necessarily mean MOVE her to an entirely different location...seperate her so that none of the other hens will peck the babies. Like I suggested, just use some chicken wire...

 

[littlekit]

Well, four out of of five eggs hatched today, resulting in the cutest little black fluff balls I ever saw.
All are well, will move her this evening if all eggs are hatched.

Cuteness alert!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/41762_img_2510.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/41762_img_2525.jpg

Video here should be viewable by all.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1027435890&ref=profile

So happy!

e

 

[SuziQ991]

Oh my goodness sooo cute! Congrats! I love seeing the baby chicks peek out from under Momma! Are you going to move them? I love your portable coop. Did you decide to move them there?

 

[littlekit]

I don't know. I think I'll put some boards around the base of the coop to prevent too much draft directly on the chicks, but it is about 80-85 degrees during the day so some air movement will be good. I guess I'll move her this evening. I really don't know what I'm doing and I want the babies to be safe. Right now she has fencing loosely around her corner of the barn to keep the others away, and she has chick starter and a small waterer with marbles within the fencing. The thing is the others could get over the fencing if they really want to, and/or the babies could get out through the holes if they can jump up. I've never had chicks this young. So far all chicks are tucked safely under mama, who is dozing.

Course I have an awful sinus infection and feel like death, but at least I got to go out and see the babies... like all day!

 

[SuziQ991]

Oh I hope you feel better! I have my first broody, chicks not due till the 20th and I already go out there 5 or 6 times a day just to check on her. I was thinking maybe making the ramp wider on your coop?? Hopefully someone will jump in to help.