My broody hatched out 4 beautiful babies today! I know they are ok for a couple of days, but then they are going to need to eat! What should I feed them? The feed store said they need medicated, but how can I make sure they get the medicated and not their momma or anyone else in the pen? I had to ideas, either leave them with their mom or take them and raise them inside. I feel really bad about taking them away from her. Right now they are still under her, one is still drying. Which would be the better way to go? and how to I go about doing it? Obviously, bringing them in would be easy when it comes to food, but what do I do for them if I leave them out with momma?
It's perfectly fine if momma (or anyone else) eats the medicated feed. I would let momma raise them...it's so much easier!! It would be best if you could give them their own little section of coop...although it won't hurt the others to eat the medicated food it will be expensive!
just a thought, a creep feeder for them maybe behind 2x4 wire fence where hens can't reach, and then the hens food up higher where babies can't reach???? hope somebody has a better idea!
Would the medicated food effect the hatching eggs? I know we can't eat the eggs, but what about hatching? I would prefer to leave them with Mom. I was going to put up a piece of wood in front of the door high enough to where the babies can't get out, but low enough so the big ones can go in and out. Their coop is already heated, so that isn't a problem, just the food issue. IF they did come inside and I raised them instead of the momma, would she be upset about me taking them away. I know how I would feel if someone took my babies!
The eggs are fine for hatching. They're also fine for eating...you just can't sell them legally. But even if you did that feed doesn't have enough residue in eggs to even be detected. I always still eat mine, but I don't sell them or give them to other people. ETA: Yes, she would be upset if you took them, but would get over it in a few days.
We always had a sheltered feeder that the big hens couldn't reach but the babies could. Usually it was a box made out of field fence with holes small enough for a half grown chick to go through but not a hen. They'd try though. Funny watching a big ol' fat hen trying to reach the feeder with just her head through the hole.
I will have to get DH to help me construct something tomorrow! I really would rather her have the experience of raising her babies! They are cute! I have a new thread with pictures!!
I seperate my broodies from the rest of the flock, let momma eat the chick starter, after all she is heating for 5 now, so a little extra should be good for her. Also the other chickens may peck at the babies, they just see them as being something small(a bug maybe), and can do quick damage. P.S. I think it is against BYC rules to say you have another thread with baby pics, and not supply a LINK
Oops!! I don't want to be a rule breaker!! BTW, Marlin, you are now a grandpa! https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=133079
