My first Hatch!!

[kensangell]

I have just started to raise chickens and today my 3 silkies and rir( whom are all sharing eggs and nests) hatched the first 2 of hopefully 20 eggs. I am guessing that the chicks hatched are the silkie they are pale yellow with black beaks and one has orange tint and the other has grey tint to them. Sooo cute. Anyway my question is this, if I keep taking the chicks out will the hens keep sitting on the eggs for a little longer. The eggs hatch dates are so staggered because I started with one broody, then another , then another, and finally the last. Also the other hens were laying next to the broody hens and they would take the hens eggs. As a newby what should I do next time too. I guess I don't want the same thing to happen I don't want to lose chicks that have started to develop.

 

[gumpsgirl]

I'm not quite sure how to answer your question, as I've only ever hatched eggs in a bator. I'm sure someone will pipe in and let you know though.

!!!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

From what I have read it would be best to take those that hatch away. After awhile the hens will quit sitting to take care of the chicks.

For furture reference, it is best if you can either put the broody in a place where she is alone or build a fence or something around her so the others don't disturb her.

Good luck and have fun with your new chicks!

 

[Toast n Jelly]

A good idea may be to invest in a bator for just those reasons but for now yes take the chicks away and she should continue to sit for the other eggs.

 

[kensangell]

Thanks for the info. I actually have been looking for an incubator, but the feed stores around here are not getting them anymore. I have to build one or order an inexpensive one off line. I wasn't going to allow them to sit this year being that I just got them and love the eggs, but the thought of fluffy little peeps quickly changed my mind. So over the (eek) impending winter, I plan on getting an incubator so I don't have this problem next time.