Momma chicken suddenly died :(

[stacfah]

I had a gen who went broody. About four weeks ago we introduced baby chicks and she took right to them. Such a great momma. Yesterday morning she was fine. Taking care of them. Last night I went out and the babies alone. I thought she was starting to wean them. I found her standing on one leg not even calling for them. When she walked she just hopped and she was lethargic. I put her in coop and chicks followed. This morning chicks alone and she wouldn't leave the coop. Finally she did. Laid on the pen floor and never got up again. Now I'm trying to gather the little babies. Since they are between 4 and six weeks old. Any ideas what happened? Are the. Abies ok to leave or need to be in a brooder. The other chickens have had no aggression to them but not sure what to do. Thank you!

 

[mtngirl35]

I,m sorry to hear about your Mama Hen. I don't have any ideas as to what may have happened to her. As for the babies, are they feathered out yet and what kind of climate are you in? In Tennessee its very hot this time of year and my babies are usually no longer sleeping under Mama at that age but its in the 90's during the day and in the 70's at night. If they were still getting under their mama at night you probably need to put them in the brooder.

 

[stacfah]

I'm in New Jersey. Tonight into the low 60s. I put a light on them just to be safe! Thanks for reply!

 

[lazy gardener]

At 4 weeks they absolutely can and should be living in the coop with the rest of the flock, and do not need any heat. My chicks self wean from their heating pad brooder at 4 weeks here in Maine, early to mid May, with night time temps going down to 30's. Since they have been with your flock with their Mama, they are already integrated and should do fine. Sorry you lost your Mama, but glad the babies are doing fine.

 

[Folly's place]

x2. Your chicks will miss their mama, but will be fine with the flock, because they were already there. They will learn to dodge the adults, because they won't have her to guard them, but it will all work out. Mary