Hatching in laying box: Where do I feed chicks?

[feasbyranch]

Hi...I am new to this...I have a Broody hen ready to hatch chicks any day. She has chosen the laying box and is on 19 eggs. The eggs are scheduled to hatch within about 4 days of each other. Because the box is up high, and small how do I offer feed to the chicks? I want to leave chicks with mom in house.
Thanks.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

If you have eggs of different ages in the nest box, momma may not finish the task and incubate all of the. After a day or so of chicks hatching, broodies tend to get on with taking care of the chicks she already has. Even if eggs are viable and due to hatch in 3 days from this time, she can abandon them. So be prepared if this is the case, to continue with the incubation in an incubator or hatcher.

As for the high nest box, this can be a problem as the chicks can fall to the floor. In the future, you might never allow a broody to hatch chicks up so high and move her to a lower spot. Can you slide a table or shelf up to the nest box, wire it off so that the chicks can come out and nobody can fall? Some sort of make-shift temporary platform for the chicks and momma. You can always move momma and babies after they have hatched as well. Try not to disturb her too much until babies have hatched.

Good luck with momma and babies!!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sending good hatching vibes your way

 

[mymilliefleur]

You've got some good advise from Two Crows. Enjoy your flock!

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our "flock!"

Two Crows gave you some good advice. I hope the hatch goes well!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with the hatch!

 

[nj2wv]

Welcome to BYC !!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!