Mama in labor, doesn't know it yet.

[sharondoright]

OK !!!! I AM SO NERVOUS & EXCITED! My barred rock hen has been on her eggs 2 weeks. I have locked remaining hens in their roost area for the night, and provided a separation around the existing nest (as suggested earlier). Once all is pitch dark and VERRY LATE, I am going to bring her a couple of the 2-day old chicks I bought. I HOPE all goes perfectly as planned, and I will get all 8 new babes under her tonight. If things go worst case, I will try to grab the baby and just have to brood it myself. UGGG>>> FIRST TIMER! You can see I just used materials I had on hand... lol

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Generally I find the hen does well. It is the feed store chicks that seem confused. Have food and water (that they can't spill) in the nest box, with all the barriers up that you've got.

Place the chicks under her from the back end scooping the chick under her tail while you divert her attention with your other hand. Move slowly and calmly. Avoid lifting her. She can peck your hand if she must, but not the chick.

Usually the hen just looks at you with an "excuse me!" expression. Now the chicks, having been artificially hatched, are another story. They often don't know to stay under momma and don't head her calls for which they can get pecked. Stand by that night to make sure all is well. Usually they all settle pretty quickly that night.

The trick is light of day when the littles wake up and begin to panic at the big scary hen. You may have to keep an eye on them for several days to make sure the chicks have it figured out. I find my worst loss is the first day for chill and the second day for stranded with feed store chicks.

Good news (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere), we are entering summer so the weather is warmer and it takes longer for chicks to get chilled, so you have some leeway. (Cold weather is hard with fostering chicks because they can get very chilled quickly if they don't catch on quickly).

If momma stays calm and isn't flustered by her confused chicks, things should settle fairly quickly after a few false starts. Sometimes it works swimmingly. Other times, not so much.

LofMc

 

[sharondoright]

So far, so good. All 8 babes seem settled under mama. I did 1, waited, then 3 more. Checked back and all was good, so after a bit more, brought the last 4 to her. All seems good. I will check again in a bit then get some sleep! So exciting!

 

[sharondoright]

This morning, they look happy... thanks for all the encouragements!

 

[Mimi13]

View attachment 1812831 This morning, they look happy... thanks for all the encouragements!

Awe, there is nothing sweeter.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Awww!