Happy Autumn! Unexpected babies today....

[Debbie292d]

Yes Debbie is right. Sooo cute and never put a heat lamp above a broody with chicks. If it gets freezing cold in the barn I would prefer a safe radiator. Because if its very cold, the chicks get very little exercise. I hope you have a window for a little sunlight in the barn.

We have three radiant heaters (Cozy Coops) and another oil-filled one for the main coop. Those Cozy Coops go in the temp pens. Just last night, it was 38F for a low, and I have 8-week-old silkies out there! They can snuggle up next to it if they want.

 

[crowmama]

Update:
We had a second Broody (this one is our tenants hen, that's she thought was picked off by a predator weeks ago) - she has 10 chicks!

Grand total of: 26 chicks, and 2 Mama's

They're all together now, both Mom's, all the babies - and doing great together!

We have a small-ish, 2- part coop in our barn, (3 if you include outside access, which we blocked off).

So, put a heat light in ONE side, and left the other as-is, with no heat lamp.
Just keep clean bedding, food, and water.

As of today - all 26 babies are thriving, and accounted for!

Unbelievable

I'll get a pic tonight, been trying not to handle them. And, usually have gloves on cleaning, but will get some of their setup.

 

[RcoM]

A bigger nestbox with room to walk around and where you can feed and water is very important after the hatch. Outside space becomes important after a week.

Thanks so much. I did think so. People don't mention that much. I've had clutches before so coop and run all sorted. I need to sort bigger nest box because even 8 struggle to fit within a week or two of growing.

 

[my spoiled chickens]

We got 18-19 with a little white banty once. She was laying eggs somewhere hidden and we thought she died but nope! Just hiding

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Update:
We had a second Broody (this one is our tenants hen, that's she thought was picked off by a predator weeks ago) - she has 10 chicks!

Grand total of: 26 chicks, and 2 Mama's

They're all together now, both Mom's, all the babies - and doing great together!

We have a small-ish, 2- part coop in our barn, (3 if you include outside access, which we blocked off).

So, put a heat light in ONE side, and left the other as-is, with no heat lamp.
Just keep clean bedding, food, and water.

As of today - all 26 babies are thriving, and accounted for!

Unbelievable

I'll get a pic tonight, been trying not to handle them. And, usually have gloves on cleaning, but will get some of their setup.

Yay! More babies!!!