On of our hens (hatched this spring, out by a broody hen), was acting very odd last week. We were worried that she may be egg bound as she wasn't moving. Unfortunately, we observed her odd behavior as we were leaving for the airport for the week.
We came back, nervously afraid to find a very sick or deceased chicken. Instead, we found a dead, frozen chick in the run, and momma perfectly fine in the coop.
Come to find out, she had picked a very inconspicuous spot to go broody and had hatched a clutch of at least 5 chicks. We were not aware that she was even sitting.
Momma and her other 4 babies are perfectly fine and in the coop. We've brought them water and food and everyone is eating and drinking, but I am extremely worried about those babies being so new, in the dead of Tennessee Winter. It has been consistently below freezing and I'm not sure what to do. They are warm in the coop, with safe heaters, but I worry they will get out into the run and freeze.
My instinct would be to remove the babies and brood them indoors until they can return to the outdoors. However, I'm afraid that our flock would not accept them when they return, and I also know that momma would be distraught to lose them. I want to give these chicks and momma their best chance at making it to spring and adulthood, but I just don't feel very hopeful. Any help would be fantastic!
P.S. Momma and chicks are in the coop right now, with food and radiant heaters. We are doing our best to keep bringing fresh, unfrozen water, all day.
We came back, nervously afraid to find a very sick or deceased chicken. Instead, we found a dead, frozen chick in the run, and momma perfectly fine in the coop.
Come to find out, she had picked a very inconspicuous spot to go broody and had hatched a clutch of at least 5 chicks. We were not aware that she was even sitting.
Momma and her other 4 babies are perfectly fine and in the coop. We've brought them water and food and everyone is eating and drinking, but I am extremely worried about those babies being so new, in the dead of Tennessee Winter. It has been consistently below freezing and I'm not sure what to do. They are warm in the coop, with safe heaters, but I worry they will get out into the run and freeze.
My instinct would be to remove the babies and brood them indoors until they can return to the outdoors. However, I'm afraid that our flock would not accept them when they return, and I also know that momma would be distraught to lose them. I want to give these chicks and momma their best chance at making it to spring and adulthood, but I just don't feel very hopeful. Any help would be fantastic!
P.S. Momma and chicks are in the coop right now, with food and radiant heaters. We are doing our best to keep bringing fresh, unfrozen water, all day.