Hen Hatched 30 Chicks out in the wild, Need some tips.

[Joe.G]

Hi, Today I saw the Proud Parents walking around the yard showing off there new family. I wasn't quite sure what to do, so a few hrs before dark I collected 15 of the Keets, I sold 10 and kept 5 for my self, I left the rest with mom. The male came back to the coop tonight like he always does and mom stayed out in the fields. Should I take the rest of the babies or allow her to raise them, they both are super protective of them, they were attacking us like crazy. I figured If they make it they make it if not its ok also, I don't really need more guineas. I would like for them to have a decent chances though, so what can I do to help? Are they doomed if I leave them with mom?

 

[PeepsCA]

I would pen them up (keets and parents, alone... w/no other birds) for at least 2 weeks or so, until the keets are more hearty. They are pretty fragile 0-2 wks old.

 

[JLeigh]

Joe G., Some people have all the luck! I left my hen sitting on a TON of eggs when I left town, and then when I came back, she had scattered them all over the coop (they're penned 24/7). Sooooo - I had hoped to have about 20 cute keets when I came home but noooooo. I have ONE, count it - ONE, lonely little keet in the brooder. Maybe the little keet will get lucky and a buddy or two will hatch, but I'm not holding my breath. .

 

[Joe.G]

I hatched a bunch from her in the incubator, this batch I let her handle, And it looks like she did a good job, they made the night last night.

 

[JLeigh]

Pictures?

 

[Joe.G]

I have a couple, as soon as I download camera i'll post them, I am a bit slow with that stuff.