My baby chicks

[drj1985]

Hi, I’m new to hens and my broody had chicks a couple of weeks ago. At the moment, we don’t have the right coop to keep predators away from baby chicks, so we’ve separated them from their mother unfortunately, and we’re hand rearing them, as some predators have sadly killed the other chicks and only 2 remain. The 2 little ones are happy and healthy now, but i need to know when they will be able to fend for themselves and join the others again...I’m worried they won’t integrate with the others and their mum when that day comes, so help please! any chick feeding tips will be appreciated too (we’re feeding them with grit). Plus, the temperature outside is nearly 40 degrees c, so is it best to take them inside if it gets too hot? Should I be wLking them around the house to stretch their wings or not expose them to myself too much (if I want them to be wild?) thanks a million xxx

 

[ashlierami]

Hi, I’m new to hens and my broody had chicks a couple of weeks ago. At the moment, we don’t have the right coop to keep predators away from baby chicks, so we’ve separated them from their mother unfortunately, and we’re hand rearing them, as some predators have sadly killed the other chicks and only 2 remain. The 2 little ones are happy and healthy now, but i need to know when they will be able to fend for themselves and join the others again...I’m worried they won’t integrate with the others and their mum when that day comes, so help please! any chick feeding tips will be appreciated too (we’re feeding them with grit). Plus, the temperature outside is nearly 40 degrees c, so is it best to take them inside if it gets too hot? Should I be wLking them around the house to stretch their wings or not expose them to myself too much (if I want them to be wild?) thanks a million xxx

Were the chicks with their mother when they were killed by predators? What killed them? Is the mother free range? I would say about 6 weeks is when mother's usually start weaning them to be without her and go on their own. They will need to be familiar with the rest of your flock or it will be hard to integrate them without some injuries. They may get picked on or hurt badly by the others, especially the roos. As long as they have access to fresh water and shade the heat shouldn't bother to much. I've had temps in the 90s and 100s and my chicks and mama have been fine. They dust, stay in the shade and have cold water.

 

[agntkruger]

I'm surprised whatever predator has killed your chicks has not killed any of your chickens, what was it?

 

[BCChicky]

I would leave them in a makeshift brooder until around 4 weeks and if there feathers have all grown in then you can try and introduce them back into your flock. This is a hit or miss process as older, larger hens have a habit of picking on the younger chicks. You could try placing the brooder in with the main flock but making sure that both are separate, see how they get on.

 

[drj1985]

Thanks all. We didn’t see the predator because the hens live at the bottom of our land and it was night time. A member of the family who was around in the countryside said he thought he saw an eagle swoop quite a bit when we were out and also, I’ve seen a grass snake try to eat the hens eggs before. We do get rats too, so tbh, I’ve no idea sadly. So is it best to introduce them back in when they have feathers at 4 weeks? I’ll kerp an eye on their behaviours. Will mum be really sad without her chicks? This is a little stressful as it’s the first time for us and I live in a foreign country, so as much help as possible appreciated. I’ve been giving the chicks lettuce leaves and grit/ The hens fruit n veg n corn during these hot summer months. Thank you x

 

[MissChick@dee]

No chicken feed? They look awful small to be with adults. Can you provide shelter and feed & water in a little pen of their own till they are bigger?