Hatching chicks with broodies...help

[langshan_gal]

I have two langshan broodies who have hatched out a couple chicks over the past few days. They are still sitting on quite a few eggs. The problem I'm having is that they are co-sitting in the same nest and wont leave at the same time. So, the chicks haven't had the chance to leave the nest to get food or water yet because one momma is always on the nest. Its day 3 since the first one hatched and I know they would be ok for probably a couple more, but what should I do if the hens don't bring them out for some reason? How long should I let it go before I take them away from the mommas and raise them myself?

 

[Illia]

I never take the chicks away unless the hen is doing a terrible, death inducing job of mothering. Sounds like you just need to sprinkle some food in front of mommy, perhaps get a very very shallow bowl or something of water in front of her too. She'll make the sound to get the chicks out, and trust me, they'll start eating/drinking

 

[kuntrygirl]

Can you put food and water in the nest? Are they in a nesting box or a brooder?