Heater in GA in May?

[springchicken10]

Hi, My silkie broody is sitting on eleven eggs. They should hatch around May 5. If I keep the mom in with the chicks in an old rabbit hutch is that enough room? Should I take her out? If I do should I put a heater in there for temps 50-80 degrees outside? Thanks

 

[sourland]

Let the hen care for them. She will provide them with enough protection/warmth. As soon as chicks start cheeping the 'I'm cold' sound, hens hunker down and call them to take cover. I have raised chicks here in NJ in the middle of winter with good broodies.

 

[springchicken10]

Thank you for the kind advice! I imagine "i'm cold!" is a loud cheep? It's surprising to find out chicks can hatch in the middle of NJ winter. Thanks again. Any day now!!!

 

[sourland]

Nope, in my experience, 'I'm cold!' is a short frequent cheeping that mother hens react to instinctively.