New Baby Chicks-Need Advice

[mswhite01]

We have a hen that has been sitting, 2 eggs hatched this evening. I read on several posts on here that you dont have to feed the babies for a few days, but when do you start feeding them? Also, they are in the nest with the mama hen now, out in the coop. We have 1 rooster and 8 hens. Will they be ok out there with their Mom? or do we need to take them out? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[debilorrah]

You need to put chick start and water in front of them and dip their beaks so they get it. The mama will take care of the rest. You need to keep an eye on the rest of the flock. Sometimes chicks do just fine and sometimes there is a competition issue with the other hens. The roo will mostly likely leave them alone, because the mama will take his eye out!

 

[mswhite01]

Thank you, I have been worried about the other chickens trying to hurt them, and before this, the mama hasnt seemed real aggressive, at least towards us when we would be checking the eggs.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
You just need to keep an eye on them and see how they rest of the flock is acting. Quite often there is no issues, but if one hen takes to hating the babies, there will be trouble.