New Baby chick help

[thebirdgirl]

Hello! I've raised many chicks over the years and we decided to let our broody bantam cochin hatch eggs for the first time. She started with 3 but one disappeared and one did not survive hatching The third just hatched this morning! I have two questions- how long should I wait before moving her and baby from the nesting box? I have a large separate area where they can stay, away from our guineas and other chickens. I don't want any of the bigger birds to hurt the baby.
Also, I'm considering getting 2 or 3 additional babies from the feed store so she can raise a few, and the little one can have company. Is this a good idea? I wonder if she will accept them. Thank you for your help!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Can't say if she will accept them, but she might! Just do it at night and as soon as possible. Long story, but I won't ever raise just one - even with a broody - after a bad experience.

Mama can usually protect them, but if there's a way to move the whole nest/box, you could try that. I don't know a thing about quinoa or the threat they pose. When I had a broody raise babies, she was fine wit the rest of the flock because she was FIERCE, but I separated them anyway just because I'm paranoid. They still foraged with everyone else during the day. Mama won't leave the nest for a few days, anyway.

Congrats on the chick!

 

[NorthernMIFlock]

My buff orp just hatched her 3rd clutch and I have never separated her from the flock. She lets her flock mates know how close they can get, and generally they steer far away from her and the babies. Last year, only one hatched out of 5, so we got 4 chicks from TSC and put them in the nest when she was off with the one little one, and she immediately took them under her wing. Super sweet to watch . Good luck!!

 

[Aunt Angus]

My buff orp just hatched her 3rd clutch and I have never separated her from the flock. She lets her flock mates know how close they can get, and generally they steer far away from her and the babies. Last year, only one hatched out of 5, so we got 4 chicks from TSC and put them in the nest when she was off with the one little one, and she immediately took them under her wing. Super sweet to watch . Good luck!!

Love it!

 

[thebirdgirl]

Thanks everyone! We moved her and baby to a private section of the coop that afternoon, then got 3 similar colored chicks and tucked them under her at night. They climbed right under her and now she has 4 happy chicks

 

[Jackisews]

Thanks everyone! We moved her and baby to a private section of the coop that afternoon, then got 3 similar colored chicks and tucked them under her at night. They climbed right under her and now she has 4 happy chicks

I love a happy ending :>)

 

[pennyJo1960]

Thanks everyone! We moved her and baby to a private section of the coop that afternoon, then got 3 similar colored chicks and tucked them under her at night. They climbed right under her and now she has 4 happy chicks

I am so happy you went and got her a few more