Missing hen emerged from the hay with peeps...what now?

[andalusn]

My hopeful target date for the missing hen to come out of hiding (egg setting) was this weekend and she emerged from the stack of hay bales today with 3 peeps in tow. What now? I worry about their safety and what should they eat? I am considering trying to pen her and the peeps up for better control and setup a heat lamp if needed. Tonight she took her little brood back into the hay so I know that will keep them warm. Size wise they appear to be over a day old. How long will she want to be a mother hen? Leave them be or seperate them?

 

[Luke0987654321]

if shees got somewere warm to sleep theywill be just fine.

 

[jerryn]

no reason for providing them heat thats why they have her. And she won't need any, -- is she like really wild, if not a cardboard box with some straw, hay, or wood shaving for footing would be approprate to help her out. somthing over the top, to keep her in for a while. ( oven racks, have been known to be used for that).

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Oh goodness, how exciting! Do you have a picture to share? I'm very interested in how this turns out.

 

[geebs]

 

[al6517]

Just let nature takes it's course they will be fine, they kinda have been doing this thing for ohh only a few hundred mullinium LOL.

AL

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I agree with the others, she will do a good job at keeping them warm. Congrats

How exciting. I would put some chick food down for them to eat, they will go through an entire bag before they need to go on grower so none will go to waste.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Just leave 'em be. She will take care of 'em for several months. Broadcast some chick starter around the area, & watch her teach them to forage. Too cute!

 

[CoopCrazy]

I agree let them be.. Momma knows waht to do.. Defintly get some chick starter.. And have fun..

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
Ditto that.