I need a little help

[Dr. Ande]

I have a Buff Orpington that was broody for a couple of weeks. On friday ( today is Tuesday) I put three two day old chicks under her in the nest. The next day I moved them to a cage for protection from the flock. She loves her chicks, but she has not wanted to get out of the cage , even with coaxing. I don't know if she is eating or pooping. I saw her drink a little. How long do I let her stay?

 

[YdogsflY]

Leave the cage door open during the day, close it at night. She'll do her thing and leave the cage when she wants.

 

[rIrs roost]

Leave the cage door open during the day, close it at night. She'll do her thing and leave the cage when she wants.

x2. Agreed

 

[Dr. Ande]

x2. Agreed

I have seen the others go after smaller chickens. What if the chicks jump out?

 

[rIrs roost]

Mama should get to tell and either sit so they can get under her or run the others away from her babies. I'd watch them to make sure though. What I've noticed with mine is the big hens may peck a little but not real hard . It's like they know that they could hurt them but they do enough to let them know that they are over them. But just watch them. If they act like they're going to kill them and mom don't step in, definitely step in. I've never had that happen though myself

 

[YdogsflY]

Mom will take care of it, and the chicks will be taught how to be chicken.

Chickens are, well, dumb. If they wake up with chickens they accept them. Move their coop in the middle of the day, 10 yards away, they won't find it in the evening.

 

[Dr. Ande]

Thank you all so much . I will try the door open with me watching. We did have a three month old fall into the coop and they beat her bloody. I revived her with TLC and isolation. ( and frankincense oil ) It was 2 road island reds that I sent to another farm. We will see how tomorrow goes. Thanks again

 

[Dr. Ande]

My husband let her out a little and she still has not pooped. just wanted back to the chicks

 

[YdogsflY]

My husband let her out a little and she still has not pooped. just wanted back to the chicks

When she poops, it will be the size of a large dog poop. Don't be alarmed, it's normal.

 

[Dr. Ande]

How long to wait for a poop . It has been at least a week?