How long to leave hatched chicks in nest (broody hen method) before feeding/watering?

[nanabelle]

I hatched my first baby chicks yesterday afternoon!!! So far, 5 out of 26 hatched. How long can they stay in the nest under mom before I put them in a brooder box with chick starter and water?

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Why not let mom do the work for you?


IDK, I am new here


Gary from Idyllwild Ca here

 

[N F C]

I guess I'd leave it up to the hen too. Maybe other greeters will have different advice?

Thanks for joining us!

 

[RodNTN]

Welcome to BYC! I am glad you joined us, best wishes!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under nanabelle

Welcome!

I wonder why you want to take them away from their mom? Letting mumma hen raise them is not only going to make her very happy and give them a great start to life, education etc but in my opinion, it is also so much easier on us as she does all the work. She will keep them warm, teach them where the food and water is, how to scratch and hunt, dust bath etc. I do not think I will ever tire of watching a proud mumma hen raise her babies.

I hope you enjoy BYC. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[Percheron chick]

Most hens will quit by the time the first chicks are 3 days. Nature tells them they need to eat. Rarely will she continue to incubate the remaining eggs after that point.

26 eggs is twice what the average hen can cover and keep warm. When was the last time you candled them and where they are at the same stage of development? If they were all good, I would remove the first group to encourage her to remain on the nest. If she quits than you have to be prepared to finish the remaining eggs in an incubator.
You should be able to slip the first chicks back under the hen when she's finished.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree with Percheron Chick.

 

[nanabelle]

I have 6 hens brooding the 26 eggs. Can I divide the remaining unhatched eggs between the other hens who are sitting?

 

[Percheron chick]

Are the eggs all at the same stage of development?

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! I am so glad you joined us, and I am sure you will enjoy it here! Please make yourself at home!