Michigan

[Huston's Happy Hens]

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Crystal - any suggestions on what I can keep the hen/chicks in so that they are separated from the rest of the flock? What do others do?? I'm really at a loss on how to separate them from the rest of the flock!

Do you have a dog crate/cage? That worked pretty good for me. I also have a brooder/hospital double decker that I had one broody in with her chicks. Definately separate them from the rest of the flock. I have read on this site of the hens stealing the babies and killing them!

Rose, I do have a dog crate - so you think it would be ok to closed up in there for a couple of weeks and let mom out once or twice a day? And yes, we'll separate the hens/chicks into two separate crates and away from the rest of the girls!Thanks Rose!

 

[CATRAY44]

I have two chicks and three banty mothers. It is a riot to watch the moms guard the babies. They make a circle around the chicks with their bodies and move the babies around. They remind me of secret service women, lol. All they need are the ear piece and sun glasses.

 

[chickflick]

They'll be fine. My momma didn't leave the babies for a couple of weeks. Maybe just make a makeshift run when the chicks are a couple of wks old so they'll have more space. If the weather is hot enough, you can even move them outside if you can have a safe spot for them for a couple of hours. I got dog fencing, the kind they have for pets to get some exercise at Magoos for pretty cheap (70 bucks) and it sure does come in handy for so many chicken duties! Good luck and enjoy. It's really cool to see the momma taking care of her chicks!

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

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Cathy, do you have the moms and babes all together? Does that work out ok for you? what are you keeping them in?

 

[CATRAY44]

I have a run with 2 coops attached from the outside. The three bantys kind of took over one coop. They do let the other hens in to look but not touch. They bring the babies out and move them around the run. They were all out most of the day today and yesterday. The other hens stay at a respectful distance. My hens are pretty good natured. If I still had my mean BR, it might be a different story. It is hilarious to see my serama chick leap on and off hte pop door!

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

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One of our broodies is a BR and the other is a light brahma - the BR is the one that has had the first hatching! I should expect to have them all hatch in 24 hours?? that's what I've read -

 

[wyliefarms]

Good Evening everyone!

A quick check in on fair happenings.

Poultry show today. Kids did good, Long day the judges were very through and explained why he placed them the way he did.

Emily got Grand Champion pen of roaster chickens!
Rachel got Reserve Champion pen of production hens!

The got some other class placings too.
They each won a trophy on Saturday's non animal judging too.

I am very proud of them.

Tomorrow morning is the pig show. Rachel's athletic pig just barely made weight. 210 is the minium and it weighs 213. She is clean and we will see what tomorrow brings!

Sarah

 

[CATRAY44]

Quote:
One of our broodies is a BR and the other is a light brahma - the BR is the one that has had the first hatching! I should expect to have them all hatch in 24 hours?? that's what I've read -

If they all started setting on eggs at the very same time, then I would think 24 hours, but I know sometimes they can go a little longer.

Also, I did not mean to imply that BRs are all mean, my other BR is sweet as pie....

 

[briana1975]

I have a question for all the 4-h people. We have been looking for a group in our area. Made calls got names and numbers, but the 4-h leaders never call back. Our fair is coming up soon and I am really looking forward to the poultry barn this year. Should I ask about their groups when I am there? I have been wondering about starting a group of our own but I am not sure how, or how hard, or time commintments or investment of money? Any advice is very welcome. Thanks guys.

 

[Opa]

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Nope.............to go do something fun..............all the time