Hen pooped in nest with new chicks

[rkinley]

I have a broody that has hatched 3, waiting for 2 more.

She RARELY got off the nest to eat or drink. I offered some food and water by hand and she nearly took chunks out of my fingers, she was so hungry. Same with the water! Of course, that means poop.

Should I clean it out? They only just hatched today.

Thanks

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Are she and the chicks in an area by themselves or in a coop with others?

 

[rkinley]

Are she and the chicks in an area by themselves or in a coop with others?

They are in a separate area. I have 2 broodies with 3 chicks each. Both have pooped in their respective nest boxes. I covered it with pine shavings and my husband suggested putting some DE on it. What do you think?

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Its entirely up to you but i would worry id upset the hens and theyd come off the nest leaving eggs. Once all the chicks that are going to hatch, hatch, she'll bring them out of the boxes to eat and drink and then you can clean them out. It wont hurt to leave it for now.

 

[rkinley]

Thank you!

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

You're welcome!

 

[rkinley]

One more question, how long before Mama brings them off the nest? One group hatched yesterday, the other today.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Mine usually bring them off in 3 or 4 days. Sometimes sooner sometimes later.. but when she thinks they are ready to eat, she'll bring em to eat. Be sure you have chick starter and chick waterers available for them.

 

[rkinley]

I my girls were terrible about eating during this and I finally put some chick starter and water closer to the nests. They ate like horses and the hatched chicks pecked at it too, although they didn't stay long but went back under mom. I also have one adult and one chick waterer in there. I read somewhere on here that chicks need water within 24 hours of hatching.

You say the hen takes them off in 3-4 days, so am I needlessly worried?

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

You did good. I usually do the same for setting hens.
Chicks can go 3 days without food and water after hatching because of absorbing the yolk.
It sounds like all is well and yes, needless worry but we all do it..