feeding adopted chick that we put under our broody hen

[cute chicks here]

My older hen was broody so we got her a day old and slipped it under her after dark. She has been keeping it warm and safe for 3 days now but she hardly ever goes out to eat and I don't think the chick eats much either. I have food and water right near the nest box so they can easily get it. The mom only goes down to the lower feeder once a day that I know of. The chick and mom still act Healthy though. I have seen the baby eatting alittle chick starter while the mom is out of the nest. How much do 4 day olds need to eat and drink.

 

[Big yellow]

Broody hens don't eat much if at all. And chicks don't eat for the first 72 hours because the yolk feeds them.

hope this helps.

 

[Big yellow]

shoot, it's four days old, i didn't read that part, sorry. If it's eating and drinking a little then it's fine.

 

[donrae]

Momma will start getting off the nest more and more now....she was just waiting for any stragglers to hatch. New chicks eat very little, they tend to spill a lot more than they eat! As long as it can physically get to the feed and water it should be fine.