Help with newly hatched chicks!

[McCoop]

my first time with a broody hen and the chicks hatched last night on day 21. I am very excited because I just let her do her thing and so far so good.

The chicks are under her starting to move around. I have a few questions.

1. Do I remove the empty shells now?
2. Do they need chick starter feed today right away?
3. They are with mom secluded in my garage in a nesting box...I will keep her here and then this weekend I can move her outside where I have a separate chicken home and run away from the flock?

Thanks for helping me!!!

 

[chicmom]

Sounds like everything is going well, and you've got a great plan!

Don't worry about the egg shells until she gets up off of them, and the babies will be fine for 72 hours without food or water because they are absorbing their egg yolks, but I would put some chick feed and water down for them anyhow.

Yes, this weekend, move them into their new home, and mama will watch over them and keep them warm. Just remember to have chick crumbles and water in a place where the chicks can reach it, and mama will handle the rest.

Congratulations!
Sharon

 

[McCoop]

Thank you so much! Perfect directions for next steps. I love BYC forum!!