HELP!! Chick are hatching under hen don't know what to do next!

[BlessedbyHim]

Update…12 Chicks hatched out of 16 eggs! Cute little things. I was able to move them tonight and Momma and Chicks are happy, happy happy. And I feel better knowing they are safe and warm! tHe other 4 eggs were not fertilized. Thanks for all the help. She ended up doing quite well in the trough. The other hens didn't even bother her.

 

[Mehjr10]

Congrats

 

[Veer67]

Congratulations on the hatch!

 

[chicksak]

We are expecting a hatch in the next week. Momma is sitting comfortably on her eggs and hopefully all goes well and we here peeps soon. She is also in the coop and I am really worried about the weather; it dropped into the 20's last night and didn't get above freezing during the day. At what temperatures will momma not be able to keep chicks warm enough? I really didn't want to have to move her now or when the chicks hatch as my only option is the basement. Obviously I will if I have to, but would that mean that they will live in the basement until spring? Our winter is just going to get longer and colder. I have a large dog kennel that I think I will have ready so momma and babies have a safer place and can put a heat lamp closer to them to help keep them warm. it will be hard to set up so there is somewhere to get away from the heat if need be.....I am so confused as to what to do!

 

[terrapin]

Good morning,
I have two hens with chicks. One hen adopted the two chicks with her; the other hens hatched six eggs and has six chicks with her. Both are fiercely good mums, teaching chicks how to drink and stay safe. My question is how long will the chicks stay with mum and how soon will hens start to produce eggs again.
Thanks

 

[BlessedbyHim]

Good morning,
I have two hens with chicks. One hen adopted the two chicks with her; the other hens hatched six eggs and has six chicks with her. Both are fiercely good mums, teaching chicks how to drink and stay safe. My question is how long will the chicks stay with mum and how soon will hens start to produce eggs again.
Thanks

I have wondered that too! Good question.

 

[Veer67]

Good morning,
I have two hens with chicks. One hen adopted the two chicks with her; the other hens hatched six eggs and has six chicks with her. Both are fiercely good mums, teaching chicks how to drink and stay safe. My question is how long will the chicks stay with mum and how soon will hens start to produce eggs again.
Thanks

It depends, most good hens will stay with their chicks from 5-8 weeks of age. I have heard of hens giving up their chicks at 3 weeks, I would say that at that age, chicks are too young to fend for themselves yet and should be cared for until reaching at least 5 weeks of age (this can vary depending on season though). Some hens are very patient and will let their chicks tag along with them at 10 weeks or longer.

 

[terrapin]

many thanks for the tip. These hens look like they'll be mums for a long time and that's fine by me. Would you happen to know if mothering hens resume egg laying while still nurturing chicks? Also, when might they wish to rejoin the flock and take the chicks with thme. Presently, we have two chick cottages side by side, warming lights, private garden space away from the flock but within sight, and room service. Last night temps went below freezing and today reached only into the 40s, yet the chicks were outside all day with mum nearby to warm them when necessary. I believe this method of raising chicks is so much easier and better for all involved. Any further thoughts are greatly appreciated.