Hens wont get off nest or chicks

[fairie]

What about letting the poults out on the dirt? I have read it can kill them if they are too young. The dirt and germs and parasites. Any tips? I am contemplating putting the the 2 week old poults back with the mom as she is so stressed about them being with-in ear shot. She wants them desperately.

 

[R2elk]

What about letting the poults out on the dirt? I have read it can kill them if they are too young. The dirt and germs and parasites. Any tips? I am contemplating putting the the 2 week old poults back with the mom as she is so stressed about them being with-in ear shot. She wants them desperately.

I brood my poults on sand that I dig up from the sand dune that I live on. I do lose a rare poult or 2 to coccidiosis every year. Some people are overly cautious and try to keep everything sterile which can cause the poults to be overly susceptible when they are finally introduced back into the normal environment. In my opinion it is more important to keep them warm and dry with proper feed and water than anything else.

If the hen wants her poults back, let her in the same pen with them and observe her behavior. If she accepts them and they accept her they will be fine. A really good sign is when they crawl under her for warmth.

Good luck.