First time broody…introduced chicks…help a flock momma!

[AnchoredHomestead]

Our broody BO has been nesting for weeks. Today I slipped fake eggs out and two chicks underneath. The chicks are very quiet. Since this is our first time letting a hen have chicks do I need to worry about them being quiet (is she smothering them?) or is it fine and they’re happy as they’d be happy quiet under a warm brooder?!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Chicks must be content under her. Keep a close eye to see that she accepts them, although I think she will. From what I've read the switch should is best done at night after the broody has been setting at close to the 21day incubation and the chicks should be no more than a week old ... I may be wrong but sounds like you're off to a good start. Keep us posted as to how it's going.

 

[AnchoredHomestead]

Chicks must be content under her. Keep a close eye to see that she accepts them, although I think she will. From what I've read the switch should is best done at night after the broody has been setting at close to the 21day incubation and the chicks should be no more than a week old ... I may be wrong but sounds like you're off to a good start. Keep us posted as to how it's going.

They’re a day old, she’s been nesting for almost three weeks taking short breaks once (maybe twice) a day and it’s their evening when they usually go to sleep. I’ve checked on them multiple times and they’re quiet. I gently lifted her a bit up, she pecked me, but both babies were snug a bug under her. I have a section fenced off in the coop for her and babies with the nest, water and food. I am thinking that I should not disturb her anymore tonight and check in the morning after praying a ton tonight!

 

[ChickNanny13]

You got it and Mama & chicks sound very content

 

[AnchoredHomestead]

Checked on momma and babies this morning and they all seem content! Momma is nesting keeping them warm, being patient as they move around her and peck her waddle…she gently pushed the one under her and waited for the other to scoot under her. The chicks seem alert and thriving!

Maybe a stupid question, how do I ensure that babies are eating and drinking properly without hounding her and them? Assume all is well as long as they are alert and well? I checked their bottoms, assuming I still need to be aware of pasty butt. Any other tips/advice?

 

[Yardmom]

As long as the food and waterer are chick friendly they will eat and drink. If their own instincts don't get them started the hen will.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Because the chicks absorb the yolk before they hatch they can go for over 72 hours without eating and drinking. That's why they can be mailed. That's over 72 hours, not exactly 72 hours. When they start to get hungry and thirsty they will tell the hen by how they chirp at her. Then she will move them off of the nest to find them food and water.

What you need to do is to have food and water where the chicks and broody can get to them when she brings them off the nest. And trust your broody hen.

To me you are doing great.

 

[AnchoredHomestead]

Perfect! We have appropriate food and electrolyte water available in their fenced off area already! We raised chicks last year, just under a brooding plate, so a bit different. Truth be told my kiddos felt sorry for our broody and convinced me to let them buy two chicks yesterday for her. I knew a bit but wasn’t confident about how it’d all go with a hen instead of the way we did it last year. Thank you all so much for the advice and encouragement!

 

[Sally PB]

Keep posting the cute pictures! And congratulations.

 

[Shotgun Lizzie]