New baby questions

[augustusthunder727]

Hi Everyone. Our Mama Silkie just hatched out 3 babies. She is extremely broody so she has a mixed bag. We think 2 Americaunas and 1 Silkie but not sure yet. I have about 30 chickens but these are the first born on our farm so we understandably have a lot of questions. Any help you an give will be greatly appreciated!






- Will Mama hold off on bringing the babies out until the rest of the eggs hatch?

- There are about 9 or 10 eggs but only 3 have hatched so far. Is there still hope for the rest?

- Mama is so broody that I worry that she will not stop sitting until all of the other eggs have hatched, therefore neglecting her chicks. At what point should I pull the rest of the eggs and be assured that they are not going to hatch?

- Should worry about our other chickens harming the babies once they make their big debut?

- How long do babies stay with their mom before she starts pushing them away?

- Is there anything that I need to do or be mindful of that I haven't thought of yet or is it best to let Mama just do her thing?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

- Will Mama hold off on bringing the babies out until the rest of the eggs hatch? Probably.

- There are about 9 or 10 eggs but only 3 have hatched so far. Is there still hope for the rest? Yes. If they haven't hatched by day 30 they won't.

- Mama is so broody that I worry that she will not stop sitting until all of the other eggs have hatched, therefore neglecting her chicks. At what point should I pull the rest of the eggs and be assured that they are not going to hatch? A very broody hen is actually good. This means she is serious about chicks and will care for them well.

- Should worry about our other chickens harming the babies once they make their big debut? Yes, some other chickens will attack them. Mama should defend them though. Just make sure to have an escape place.

- How long do babies stay with their mom before she starts pushing them away?I think it's like 8 weeks that she starts pushing them.

- Is there anything that I need to do or be mindful of that I haven't thought of yet or is it best to let Mama just do her thing? Don't feed the chicks layer feed. This will damage their kidneys. Mama will be fine with eating chick feed.

Good luck!!

Here's a couple links too.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/guide-to-letting-broody-hens-hatch-and-raise-chicks
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-and-raising-chicks

 

[augustusthunder727]

Thanks so much! This information is a great help. We actually had another chick hatch overnight. We are sooo excited! Thanks again!

 

[debster1556]

We just had our first little batch of chick's hatch. 6 eggs, 3 hatched within a 3 day period. The babies absorb their yolk I believe giving them their nutrition while others are hatching. Momma knows best, trust her but be watchful. Babies were born on July 3rd and we are just now slowly introducing them to our 1 rooster and 3 other hens. Just for a little while each day. Momma sat on the eggs in a nest box, right after hatching, we moved them to a small enclosed pen but still inside the coop. So everyone could still smell, hear and see.
So far everything is working out great except for the last chick to hatch has foot pad dermatitis. Hoping it will be okay.
I must say tho that having chickens and having a broody hen hatch her own is so fun and rewarding. You'll love it!