Mum has LOST it!

[fluffy9947]

Once hatched, we normally move mum and chick(s) to the maternity unit where they are separate from the flock and she can concentrate on the chicks. This is a new mum and she has one live chick out of 9 eggs. She had two stillborn and the rest had not developed at all. We have moved her and she is now desperate to get back to the main hut with the other adults, abandoning her chick. As she was running down the ladder and clearly anxious to get out, and the chick was calling, we have now shut her in the upstairs bedroom with the chick and food and water and planning to keep her there for 3 days until she knows where she lives and the chick is possibly able to come down with her. I am not sure what she thinks, but she is clearly endangering the live chick who needs her warmth and encouragement to feed and drink. Any advice?

 

[Chickmama672]

I'm sorry, I don't have a clue because I've not hatched any chicks, but I'm sure others will be along to offer their wisdom on this subject. I don't think you mentioned how old the chick is now, but if mama doesn't start to "mama" soon I'm thinking I'd probably intervene and set up some supplemental heat and whatnot for the baby. BUT AGAIN..I really have no experience with this, just my two cents. Others may disagree. Good luck!