New chicks

[Joe1962]

I had one of my Sebright Pullets went

broody 21 days ago. I gave her 4 eggs and let her go. She has been very diligent setting on the eggs. Today I found this under her box. I have not seen any chicks yet and she is still setting in the box.

 

[dunnmom]

Yay! Looks like she’s doing a great job.

 

[Joe1962]

Yay! Looks like she’s doing a great job.

They are still in the coop with the others. Should I separate them from the flock?

 

[dunnmom]

Not necessarily. Some people let their broodies hatch and raise chicks in the main coop and it works out fine. Other people don’t want to take a chance on it. When my broody hatched her babies in the coop, I put up a temporary barrier for about a week. It was made of hardware cloth so all of the chickens could see each other, but not touch. I could tell when mama hen wanted the barrier to come down because she would pace, pace, and pace some more. It turned out fine. I guess it all depends on your particular setup and situation and what you feel most comfortable with.

 

[Joe1962]

One more question please. I have seen one chick so far. How long should I let her stay on the other eggs if they have not hatched? Today is day 21.

 

[dunnmom]

A lot of people say to wait 3 days from the beginning of the hatch.

 

[Joe1962]

A lot of people say to wait 3 days from the beginning of the hatch.

I set food just outside her box and she has been

A lot of people say to wait 3 days from the beginning of the hatch.

I set food just outside her box. She has been in it, I assume she will make sure the chick's are fed?

 

[dunnmom]

Chicks don’t usually eat much the first two days because they are still absorbing the yolk. Mama should take care of them just fine.

 

[Callender Girl]

Here's my experience with removing eggs from a nest. I don't know that this is typical, but last year one of my Iowa Blues laid six eggs. At 22 days, the first egg hatched, but the chick was dead outside the broken shell. Two days later, the first live chick hatched. Two days after that, I didn't think there would be any more chicks, since it had been six days since the initial hatch. I was getting ready to get rid of the remaining eggs. As I picked up the last one, I heard a teeny, tiny peep. That's how Pip got here name; her sister's name is Squeak, and they were the only two survivors.

 

[Joe1962]

Here's my experience with removing eggs from a nest. I don't know that this is typical, but last year one of my Iowa Blues laid six eggs. At 22 days, the first egg hatched, but the chick was dead outside the broken shell. Two days later, the first live chick hatched. Two days after that, I didn't think there would be any more chicks, since it had been six days since the initial hatch. I was getting ready to get rid of the remaining eggs. As I picked up the last one, I heard a teeny, tiny peep. That's how Pip got here name; her sister's name is Squeak, and they were the only two survivors.

I will give her all the time she needs. As long as the other chick or chick's look healthy.