eggs hatching!

[JodyJo]

Quick question....I have several of my broody hens eggs are cracking and cheeping....what now? Ha...do I just let her be, and let it all go natural, or do I do something else?

My first time with a broody and hatching chicks...do I need to provide starter feed and water immediately, or in a day or so?

 

[chicmom]

Let mama handle it! EASY!

 

[JodyJo]

yes, but don't you have to separate them out from the rest of the flock, provide chick starter and such? I have an area I plan on doing this...just want to make sure I do it right.

 

[chicmom]

You don't have to separate them, but you have a good idea and it won't hurt a bit. At the very least, I put chick food and water down where the babies can reach. You would be surprised at how the babies can get around and follow mama almost anywhere! It's truly amazing to see!

And I was amazed at how easily the flock accepted the babies, along with mama. She just decided, after laying a few eggs, to join the others in the hen house, and had no problems bringing the babies with her.

Now she really doesn't stay with the babies all the time, they're on their own, but they do hang out together sometimes. They still know mama.