Hatched egg from our Hen!

[joolz1226]

We have a broody hen but didn't really pay much attention because we've never had luck with hatching. Well, I opened the coop today and SURPRISE---I found a baby chick! I'm thinking he was hatched last night, as he's fuzzy and walking around. As soon as she saw me she hid him under her.. What do we do now? I don't want her to hurt him or step on him. It's our first "naturally" hatched egg and we are very excited!

 

[Judy]

Congratulations!

Nothing, really. She should raise him, watch over him, protect him from other hens, etc. A rooster may help actually her.

You will want to get the layer feed out of the coop and feed everyone chick starter, though. Even if it's medicated (with amprolium) you can eat the hens' eggs, though a hen raised chick is much less likely to have problems with cocci, so you don't really need to get medicated. Do keep some oyster shell for you layers' calcium needs. The chicks shouldn't bother it. In a few weeks you can feed grower or flock raiser if you wish.