My baby just had babies and I don't know what to do

[tammyborn]

Do I need to put them in a brooder or do I let mom do the work? Temps are 60 - 70 days and 50 - 60 nights outside. They have a hen house but shared by the others. Mom seems to be shooing the others away. Help this first time Grandma out. What do I do?

 

[teach1rusl]

I've read other postings about chickens attacking others' chicks. Is your hen house big enough to put a large dog pen or something in it for the mama and her babies??? Something big enough to include food/water for her, and for the babies?? Hope several voices of experience chime in soon....

 

[card5640]

Leave them to be as long as shes being good tothem, she'll tend them and keep them warm. Place started food for them and water near.

 

[tammyborn]

I could put her in a seperate cage, yes! Thanks anxiously awaiting advice.

 

[stephys_fluffybutts]

Just let her be with the chicks. If she seems to be doing good with them then just let her do it. Its rare to come by a good mother hen. But when it does happen it is a rewarding experience.

Make sure you keep plenty of water and food near them. And besure to give them a small chick waterer. either or not if you think they need one its good to have one just because they could drown in the larger ones.

I have had Mothers raise chicks in 30 degree weather or less and they did just fine.

But watch and if somebody acts kind of slugish and cries allot then check.

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[AZ Heat]

How long do you usually wait before you separate the mother hen from the chicks?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
She'll do it herself when she's ready. Just like other animals wean or distance themselves from their offspring when ready.
If she's doing a good job with the chicks and protecting them from other chickens, I see no reason not to leave her to it. She can do a better job than a human can.

 

[tammyborn]

She is still in the hen box sitting on eggs. I've placed an egg carton with water and some food in the hen box. She is also about 4 inches off the floor - one chick fell out - put it back. Will mom teach the chicks to drink - I know they can survive for a day, but can she do it while still sitting on more eggs?

 

[Mahonri]

She''ll know when to get off of the nest... .and I'd separate them from the other chickens for at least a week.... making certain that they have plenty of water in a chick waterer and chick starter.

Good luck.

 

[Farmer Brown]

Separate them and take lots of pictures!

and be glad you don't have to worry and fuss over them half as much! Here is a pic of our broody who hatched out the one egg she was sitting on. She would attack any animal that came within 5 feet of her and her baby, our poor lab never new why she was being so mean.