New Babies

[WIchickMama]

We got 6 new babies over the last 2 days. My Leghorn played surrogate for some eggs from a friend of our neighbor. Our neighbor said she has a barnyard mix, we hatched 4 mint green, one muted grassy green and one brown.

Now because we used a broody and they hatched overnight I wasn't able to see which eggs they came from, can anyone help? I think the grey came from the brown egg, the yellow-er/golden one came from the muted green egg and the other 4 from the mint. Also, I am thinking they are just mutts but if anyone has ideas on breed/mixed breed please let me know. I can get face pictures if needed. All have clean legs, grey chick has slate legs, 1 of the darker/more red has brown/yellow legs and the rest are yellow.

 

[sourland]

Likely 5 EE and one barnyard X.

 

[WIchickMama]

Thank you @sourland

One more question please, do they need food and water out overnight? Usually I don't keep any food in my coop but have some in their space with mom. Would like to put away at lock up time with the older hens' food.

 

[sourland]

Realistically they do not need food and water overnight. In the heat that some of us have been experiencing, I would probably leave water - just in case.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If it is dark in the coop they can't see to eat or drink at night. It is always dark in my coop at night when a broody has chicks in there so I feel real comfortable saying they don't need it. But you might want to be down there at daybreak to put it out, at least water.

 

[WIchickMama]

@Ridgerunner and @sourland thank you! Our heat isn't starting until tomorrow and it is dark in my coop, I mean they have a south facing window but that is it.

 

[WIchickMama]

One last question:

When can I let mama outside to dust bathe and eat properly? 2 were born Friday, 1 Sat and then 2 yesterday morning. Can I just grab her out of their brooder spot in the coop and let her run free for a bit or won't she do that? Also, when do I open up the brooder and let them out? I am planning on just removing one of the HC sides but leaving the other 3 for security feelings for the first week they are allowed to roam. Thoughts? We are gone all day on this upcoming Sat so I won't be around to watch them but I feel that 7 days is a long time for mama to not be integrated with the rest of the flock. The other hens are doing great, they come up and look and listen but have hardly spent any time in the coop other than to check in once and awhile and lay. First time mom here-thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Mama is not going to be happy if you separate her from her babies. I'd just open it up now and let Mama make those decisions.

 

[WIchickMama]

Mama is not going to be happy if you separate her from her babies. I'd just open it up now and let Mama make those decisions.

ok (sorry if I sound stupid) and you think they are old enough to go outside? I am just thinking that they might not be able to get back in. I have built up the bricks to get in but they are still a big step down and up. I just don't know how old--5 days, now, 7 days, lol

 

[Ridgerunner]

My broody hens typically take their chicks outside to forage two or three days after she brings them off of the nest. My pop door is about a foot off of the coop floor and the dirt outside. I use pavers to build the steps. I don't know what your steps look like but I'd expect the chicks to be able to handle it. Still, check occasionally to see what is going on and especially be there as it is getting dark to make sure they all make it OK. If one is separated you will know because it will be chirping and calling Mama.