Do I need a brooder if the hen hatches them?

[bantamkelley]

Do the chicks need a brooder if the hen hatches them?

 

[donrae]

Nope. Just let momma do her thing, make sure the chicks can reach food and water and have some way to get away from the rest of the flock if they're in together.

 

[Kevin565]

No as long as they have food and water Momma should be fine to raise them.

 

[Labgal]

My Speckled Sussex was broody and I put five day old chicks under her, I was wondering if I needed some extra heat as it is November but they are all doing fine! They go under when they get cold, pop out to eat then go back under her wings. She is a great mother and did this for me already in the spring so she is a pro. I didn't need to worry at all. I doubt I will ever use a brooder, just so easy with great hens.

 

[lclough1998]

Nothing better then a broody hen for raising babies, the moms do all the work. It is so amazing. We have a broody silkie (but then again, when don't we have a broody silkie hen) sitting on 11 eggs right now! We love the little babies! She teaches them how to eat, drink, scratch, run for cover, love it love it love it!

 

[Arielle]

I have read posts where a broody can hatch the eggs but isn't so good at the next step. With my broodies I am prepared to brood them; with the cold weather in New England now AND not having segregated safety zone for the chicks/broody, brooding the chicks my self is a better option for me.

I also have the incubator fired up and waiting, just in case.

GL