hatch day for broody hen!!!!

[chickymomma1234]

hi guys, it is almost hatch day for my broody hens eggs and i was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to care for both!

I've heard that you have to feed the mother with chick starter but i really need help!!!!

 

[Pork Pie]

If they are in an elevated nest box, move momma and chicks down to floor level, once everyone has hatched and provide starter feed (this is great for momma, as it has good protein levels and will help her to get back in good condition, lost during brooding) and water. Momma will do the rest.

I'm not sure if you are keeping your momma separate from the rest of the flock or not, so advising further is not so easy.

 

[stuckinthecity]

Agreed, different set-ups call for different actions. Mine hatch their eggs in a separate small coop. I use large rubber containers for nest boxes...room enough for 2 setting hens in one tub... I put chicken wire over the front on day 19 to keep chicks from falling out of the nest box. Day 22-day 23 I take out the tub and put the hen and chicks on the floor in their own coop. They are raised there on chick starter-grower until they are big enough to mix with the rest of the flock or if I need their coop for another broody hen. But usually around 8 weeks with the hen. Then the mother hen starts "weaning" her chicks. Starts by when she stops calling to them and ends with her running them off. She'll wean the boys first then the pullets. I've noticed with some hens even if they have already weaned the chicks they still will react to their calls for help and will come to the rescue if another hen is pecking at them.