New chick in elevated laying box! Help!

[Luvmychicks17]

I am new to broody hens! One of our hens has been sitting on a egg. Today we have a new chick! And it’s in a laying box about 2-3’ off the floor! Will momma get it down? I have no idea if I need to separate momma and chick and move the chick to a brooder? Or provide an open box in the coop on the floor for momma and baby? Provide chick food and water inside or outside coop? I have read that I need a gentle ramp to the yard. Makes sense. Please give me direction!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is this the only egg to hatch? Chicks will jump out, so I generally block them in to keep them safe.

If this is the only chick I would move them to the floor in a smaller crate or pen to give them time to bond and for the chick to get stronger, especially if there are other chickens in with her.

 

[Luvmychicks17]

There is one more egg in that box...can I make an open box on the floor or does it need to be where the chick can’t get out? I was t sure if other hens or rooster would peck it?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

There is one more egg in that box...can I make an open box on the floor or does it need to be where the chick can’t get out? I was t sure if other hens or rooster would peck it?

Your hen will need to be moved about 24 hours after the first chick hatches. Hopefully all are due to hatch on the same day. I than move mom and chicks to the floor in a temporary pen. Sometimes hens will take eggs on the floor to finish hatching.

You will need to make some temporary pen to keep other chickens away as some hens may try to kill chicks. I use wire and make a circle out of it to contain the family, but also the other chickens can see and hear, and become more familiar with everything before I attempt to release everyone in a week or so when chicks are stronger and the bond between mom and chicks is strong as well.

 

[Luvmychicks17]

I know the chick will need food and water fairly soon and I will put that in the pen. If the egg doesn’t hatch today or tomorrow, do I move it to the pen too? I really appreciate your help! And apologize that I am so ignorant about the topic!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Have you candled the eggs to see if they are developing? I generally get rid of eggs after day 22, but will candle first to make sure. You can move the egg is it's viable and close to hatching. She may or may not continue to set on it.

Chicks can live off the yolk they absorb right before hatching for about 48 hours, than they need to eat and drink. Most hens will abandon the nest after 48 hours if food and water isn't available within reach.

Thanks for listening to my chicken keeping ramblings.

 

[Banana01]

I am new to broody hens! One of our hens has been sitting on a egg. Today we have a new chick! And it’s in a laying box about 2-3’ off the floor! Will momma get it down? I have no idea if I need to separate momma and chick and move the chick to a brooder? Or provide an open box in the coop on the floor for momma and baby? Provide chick food and water inside or outside coop? I have read that I need a gentle ramp to the yard. Makes sense. Please give me direction!

Is there room in the box to put some starter food and water?

 

[Luvmychicks17]

Update: yesterday, she had moved the chick to the floor when I went out there but the egg was still in the box. I made a pen with flake, starter food, oyster shell and water then put her, the chick and egg in. I had to move all so I hope that was right! The chick immediately started eating and drinking. Momma seems happy and is eating. I did not candle the egg but will try to do that. She is sitting on it. I LOVE the chicken keeping ramblings! I have learned so much. Thank you to all for the help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So adorable. Congratulations and thank you.

 

[janiedoe]

I wouldn't candle yet. The chick may have pipped. Moving the egg right now isn't a good idea. Wait a couple of days. Congratulations on your new chick!