Mummy hen not eating much

[Pullet5]

Hoping someone can give me a few suggestions.Im new to all this and have a mother to 4 newly hatched chicks.They are doing fine but all mum is concerned with is feeding them not herself.Ive read chicks can only have crumb but if i try to feed her she spits it out and encourages the chicks to eat it.Im worried as she is very thin.Help please

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's pretty normal. She is eating, but she will offer stuff to the chicks first. Give them small amounts throughout the day as mom hen will often scatter everything. I give mine a bit of scrambled eggs daily, it's a good source of protein, and vitamins. Your mom hen will eventually go back to taking care of herself. The whole brooding process is hard on them.

 

[Pullet5]

Thank you for your reply.I noticed she was offering everything to the chicks.This is Gingie and her chicks they are 4 days old.Black Tail (I think) and Buff Orpington cross

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She's eating in between her clucking I'm sure. She pretty and babies are adorable.

 

[Pullet5]

She's eating in between her clucking I'm sure. She pretty and babies are adorable.

She's eating in between her clucking I'm sure. She pretty and babies are adorable.

 

[PianoChickens]

Thank goodness for this thread!
I have been so scared for my mummy hen who is absolutely skinny and exhausted. I keep trying to offer her food, but she is not taking anything. I finally separated her and the chicks from the flock (only two other hens, so I thought they were ok, but seems not...) so she would have more rest less worry. Maybe I can breathe little on the feeding frenzy. Maybe... but I am worried...