We are allowing our broody Buff Orpington hatch some eggs. We are on day 18 and I have a few questions.
First, I've been getting her up off the nest every day or two for dust bathing, eating, drinking and stretching. Should I stop this or continue until first egg hatches?
Second, we added a smaller coop inside the run for mama and chicks to have their own space. When do I move her over to it? Before or after hatching. She is currently nesting inside the large coop.
Third, when can we allow her and the chicks to free range with the whole flock? What are clear signs mama and chicks are in imminent danger and NEED to be removed from the flock? We are really wanting to free range all the hens together so we don't have to re-introduce the hen and chicks to the established flock later.
So far (but I've most certainly jinxed it now
) we have not had too big of pecking order issues or arguing between hens. I believe we have a large enough free range space for all hens to go their separate ways if someone (or really one particular hen) decides to be a bully. When inside the run they will be separated, but still seen, from the rest of the flock.
Also, please kindly let me know of things I have overlooked. This is completely new and I'm only going off the threads I have been able to research on here. I cannot possibly find all of the threads though so surely I am missing a lot.
Thank you for any help offered!
First, I've been getting her up off the nest every day or two for dust bathing, eating, drinking and stretching. Should I stop this or continue until first egg hatches?
Second, we added a smaller coop inside the run for mama and chicks to have their own space. When do I move her over to it? Before or after hatching. She is currently nesting inside the large coop.
Third, when can we allow her and the chicks to free range with the whole flock? What are clear signs mama and chicks are in imminent danger and NEED to be removed from the flock? We are really wanting to free range all the hens together so we don't have to re-introduce the hen and chicks to the established flock later.
So far (but I've most certainly jinxed it now
) we have not had too big of pecking order issues or arguing between hens. I believe we have a large enough free range space for all hens to go their separate ways if someone (or really one particular hen) decides to be a bully. When inside the run they will be separated, but still seen, from the rest of the flock.Also, please kindly let me know of things I have overlooked. This is completely new and I'm only going off the threads I have been able to research on here. I cannot possibly find all of the threads though so surely I am missing a lot.
Thank you for any help offered!
Hahaha
