New Chicks, Need Help

[303hunter]

I've got 3 silkie hens and 1 rooster in a pen. 2 of the hens have been sitting, and the eggs are hatching. One chick is dead, and I'm afraid for the rest. Should I put them in my brooder, or let the hens take care of them?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Unfortunately some chicks just aren't destined to make it. That may be what happened. Or, it may have wandered or got kicked out of the nest and gotten chilled.

Have you observed the hens to see how they're behaving with the chicks? Are they killing them or does the death seem to be accidental? Have they been broody before? Could the hens be fighting in the nest?

I leave mine to do the chick rearing, its so much easier. I don't have to pay for the electricity to keep them warm, tend to an extra pen or introduce them to the flock. But, nit all mother hens are made equally. Some of them are horrible, others are wonderful. If I were in your position, I'd probably go out and sit for a while and watch their behavior. If theyre harming the chicks, pull them as they hatch and put them in the brooder. If they seem attentive, leave them to it. Have you checked to see if there are any hatched, still living chicks under them?

 

[303hunter]

Chicks are peeking from under hens, then going back under them. Dead chick is away from the rest.

 

[303hunter]

Hens are doing well with chicks. Chicks are active and eating. One more chick is very weak, and I made the mistake of putting it back under the hen. I got pecked several times!