I gave some chicks to a broody last night

[Nigellas]

She kind of cluck-trilled (sounded like a raccoon) when I put them in and just let them snuggle up under her wings. I checked on them this morning and she wouldn't let me near her to check on them and I didn't want to stress her, but I didn't see any babies pushed aside... That's a good sign, right? (I've never had a broody before to try this with, so I'm new at it)

Do you think I could move them to a safer area this afternoon? (They are currently in a laying box that is about 18 inches up from the floor of coop - I'm nervous the babies will fall down and not be able to get back up...)

 

[krcote]

Yes, they will need space of their own at "chick height". Those chicks won't have access to food and water if you leave them there

 

[Nigellas]

Oh, they do have baby food and water I put in last night (It's about 3 feet across - it's more of a laying resort than a laying box. lol)

 

[newchickmom]

When mine were in the nest box, mama called them down to the floor when it was time and they were all fine. Mama won't want to stay in the box all the time and she will call her chicks to follow her. All the bedding on the floor made for a soft landing. I also set up a place on the floor where only the chicks could get to the feeder and put a smaller waterer in for them. Mama would just snuggle with them in a nest box I put on the floor since they couldnt get back in the higher nest box. She also protected them from the other hens.

 

[featherbaby]

Quote:
A "laying resort"? That's funny!!!! I have a "Chick Spa" for one lonely little splash silkie chick that hatched yesterday. 8 more eggs, I hope at least ONE of them hatches today so she'll have a buddy.

 

[Naughty]

my poor chicks have a laying dog house.... lol

I put some babies under a broody yesterday also - so far so good - they were all under her to sleep. luckily i am at home today to check on em - they are in a hutch that isolates them from the others for now - i am going to try to let momma tell me when she's ready to come out but they wont be allowed out much until they are bigger - my chicken yard has chainlink and some hungry dogs on the other side of it in my neighbors yard so they have to be too big to get thru chainlink to be let out

 

[Naughty]

helppppppppppp the bin at TSC is calling to me - only cause my broody took the others in so well - wondering if I can sneak in a couple more lol talk me out of it

bad part about broody is now she wont let me see em