New Chicks and their Mum

[mave]

We collected a gorgeous Bantam Cross and her six 4 day old chicks today - three of which are Buff Orpington and three of which are unknown Bantam-something crosses. She has a nice coop away from our other hens with a dry nest box, grass, water, chick feed and pellets. Is there anything else we should do, or should we just let her get on with mothering? Also, as the Orpingtons are going to be much bigger than her (she was given the eggs to sit on, none of them are hers), how long do we leave them together in the same small coop?

 

[faykokoWV]

Cute! Congrats

 

[L*A*G*]

congrats

what is she?

 

[3chimama]

Sweet! Makes me want my new baby chicks today!!

 

[Country Heart]

Great photos!

My broody stayed with her chicks until they were a good 8 weeks old. It was almost humorous at that point - large chicks trying to fit under a small mama. Luck for her there were only three. Eventually, she decided they were graduates and it was time for her to go back to roosting with the big girls. Just watch mama, she'll let you know when the time is right.

 

[Mahonri]

Good on ya!!

They all look fabulous!

 

[justtoni44]

she is beautiful........

I agree, she will decide when the time is right.
The size will be ok.................
Some hens raise ducks

 

[NonnasBabies]

Very cute!!

Mine are 4 weeks this weekend!!

What exactly does the mama start doing to give you signs she's ready to part with the chicks???

 

[mave]

She is very cute isn't she? (and thanks for all the advice, btw). Her name is Rosie and the guy I bought her from just said she is a bantam, he wasn't really sure what type. He has now texted me to say that her sister, Ruby, (and apparently just as beautiful) is sitting on a clutch of 6 Leghorns due to hatch on Wednesday and would I like another set??

Well, I would LOVE them, but we have now got 15 chickens and I think my long suffering other half may just draw the line at any more!