I wasn't ready for this!

[mopalia]

All flock crumbles with oyster shell on the side. Generate a 'Plan B' for all of the cockerels.

I can"t even imagine what I am going to do with all the cockerels. The sire of these chicks got re-homed because he turned mean.

 

[ChickMamaCRM]

All great advice!!
I would be sure the feed is CRUMBLES!! If it is pellets they won’t be able to eat it, and may starve.

 

[mopalia]

All great advice!!
I would be sure the feed is CRUMBLES!! If it is pellets they won’t be able to eat it, and may starve.

Yes, they have crumbles. But I heard framtic chirping for the other side of the yard, where her nest had been, and investigation revealed a chick having trouble getting out of its shell. I picked it up and it fell right out - but mama hen won't have anything to do with it. So not it's in a very large tupperware container with a heat lamp on it, but I don't think it's warm enough. Posted about it asking for help. I am really not equipped for this!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

large tupperware container with a heat lamp on it, but I don't think it's warm enough. Posted about it asking for help. I am really not equipped for this!

Take care it's not TOO warm. Got a thermometer? 90° for the first week but make sure it can get to a cooler area if it wants to. It does not need food or water the first 72 hours after hatch. After that provide both food and water and show it how to eat and drink. I pick my chicks up bodiy like a dart and dip their beaks in the water, then dip their wet beaks in the crumble. They catch on fast!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Also you can give a single chick a small stuffed animal and a mirror for company.

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

Since I am almost out of chick starter and because the hens (none of whom are laying) insist on eating a lot of the starter, what should I be buying for the chicks that will also be ok for the hens.

Not answering your question, but...

With materials you have on hand you might be able to construct a feeding station that is too small and difficult for the adult hens to access (I try to solve most problems with cinder blocks and scrap lumber/plywood). In this way, you could continue the chicks on chick feed with the adult hens on layer feed.

This same idea is used to create refuge spaces when integrating chicks into a flock.