Mama Hen Away from the Chicks Too Long

[Rachel Cauntay]

I've been worrying about how long my mama hen, who hatched 5 chicks 5 days ago, stays away from her chicks. She keeps wandering over while she's foraging and taking dirt baths to peek at them but it's in the low 60's today and I'm worried they're getting cold. I decided to just put a heat lamp over them to be safe, but is this overkill?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A good mom hen stays with the chicks, and doesn't go far. I would confine them, hen and chicks, for a week or two, as opposed to using a heat lamp.

 

[Rachel Cauntay]

Thanks for the good advice. Bought a used big dog crate and they'll stay in there. Without the draw of the wild, Miss Broody is a good mama who snuggles those chicks good.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Good plan, after a week or two of age the chicks should keep right up with momma.

 

[aart]

I've been worrying about how long my mama hen, who hatched 5 chicks 5 days ago, stays away from her chicks. She keeps wandering over while she's foraging and taking dirt baths to peek at them but it's in the low 60's today and I'm worried they're getting cold. I decided to just put a heat lamp over them to be safe, but is this overkill?

Do chicks seem distressed?
Is she calling to chicks?
Can chicks get to her if they need her?