Now a little of the back story, our little silkie, Betty White, decided that she really wanted to hatch out some babies so we decided lets go for it. I only gave her 2. I also realized that our Easter Egger was also broody. I put 3 eggs under her. We've moved them to the maternity ward as I've dubbed it. Things have seemed normal. I have found the eggs moved around a few times. Somehow, the Easter Egger, Hawk due to her coloring, would have 4 eggs and Betty only one. But all in all, just like the last time we let a broody hatch eggs. This morning, 2 of Hawk's eggs have pipped. I'm hoping for 5 adorable fluff balls.
I have another question, when we set them up in the maternity ward our temps were 90* during the day and no rain. Now, fall has decided to come and our temps are highs in the mid 60's and lows in the 50's. The maternity ward is our first coop what I'd call a starter coop. It has 2 nest boxes, a low (because everything is right on the ground) roosting bar, a poop tray and a small covered yard.
Every morning, I go out and open the little door so the momma's can stretch their legs, get some food and water and scratch around a little bit. Should I change this up any? Should I keep the door closed so the babies can't get out into the yard and bring the food and water inside? In the spring a broody hatched some babies and we just put her inside the coop in a large dog crate and put cardboard around the bottom half so the babies couldn't escape. I was afraid that the dog crated wouldn't be large enough for 2 adult chickens.
What are your thoughts?
thanks in advance.
