My hen won't eat while raising her chick

[Rachele]

My hen has just hatched her first chick, it is about 24-36 hours old but she has lost a lot of condition and can't get her to eat a lot, will she get better?

 

[chad-o]

Believe it or not they know what to do and how to do it. She will be fine!

 

[Hanna8]

If the chick won't eat, don't worry! They aren't supposed to yet! They live off the yolk for the first few days. Your momma hen will take care of it,
If it's the hen that won't eat, I'm sure she will once the rest of the chicks have hatched. They are her too concern right now.

 

[donrae]

Momma usually stays on the nest a good 2 days after the first chick hatches, to give everyone a chance to hatch. she normally won't eat but once a day for this time, just like when she was brooding. After that 2 day mark she'll come off the nest with whoever has hatched and show them where to eat and drink, and momma will also.

 

[Teila]

G'Day Rachele

I am also going through my first successful hatch with a broody and I also worried about her condition. She lost a lot of weight/condition during the nesting period and was so focused, she rarely even accepted treats. Because they are not burning up a lot of energy moving around, they don't need as much to eat. When the babies hatched, any treats I tried to feed her she promptly gave to the babies. As everyone has mentioned, she knew what she was doing. Five weeks down the track and she is pretty much back to post baby condition and weight and everyone is healthy and happy.
Good luck with your new babies .. they are so very special; I treasure every minute with mine!