New chicks

[mandycapel]

Hi, our 3 eggs are due to hatch next week under a trio of broodies in our current coops nest box. One egg got snuck in after the 2 on the 15th but there are veins so left it. We will move a hen with the eggs tomorrow or Tuesday into their first rabbit hutch coop in the existing run with food and water, which will be put on the run floor. How long before they need a run to come out as will build a run within the run or just let them intergrated with our others as 2 want to be mom's too. Medicated chick crumb or just standard chick crumb. Or will garvo alpha be ok for chicks as says chicks on the packaging. Sorry for long post. Mandy

 

[TOR]

Medicated feed is controversial. I used to use it for the first week or 2. Then I stopped and now use non med chick feed.
I have broody's right now and I am going to let them migrate right into with the flock and try it.
As far as feed goes I will mix chick starter with all flock feed. That is another reason I am not going to use medicated feed because I am going to mix the feed.
Back in the 80s I had chickens and had broodys , but I worked so much it was hard to keep up with. The Broodys would sit and after awhile I had a hen outside with her little ones and all was good, hopefully it works this time
I also free range so I would expect the hen will have the chicks outside within a very short few days.
Other people build a run in a run. I am going to experiment and see how this goes with the broody's. If I see a problem then I will seperate.

 

[mandycapel]

Medicated feed is controversial. I used to use it for the first week or 2. Then I stopped and now use non med chick feed.
I have broody's right now and I am going to let them migrate right into with the flock and try it.
As far as feed goes I will mix chick starter with all flock feed. That is another reason I am not going to use medicated feed because I am going to mix the feed.
Back in the 80s I had chickens and had broodys , but I worked so much it was hard to keep up with. The Broodys would sit and after awhile I had a hen outside with her little ones and all was good, hopefully it works this time
I also free range so I would expect the hen will have the chicks outside within a very short few days.
Other people build a run in a run. I am going to experiment and see how this goes with the broody's. If I see a problem then I will seperate.

Thank you, I was hoping to maybe mix them although worried as we have birds of prey around and a Heron so worried they will get picked off if quite small. Would you keep them in a separate brooder but same run? Our ginger silkie is quite a bully so wanted her to be the mom but maybe they can all co mother. I'm sure chickens back in the day all just lived together with chicks etc

 

[TOR]

If what I read is correct you have a open run of some kind? If you have birds of prey and are worried then build a small area for them ( the chicks). Also at the same if they are separate from the flock they can get to know each other before integrating and give your chicks time grow.

From reading here on the forums many people use a run inside a run for integration.
This may be the way you want to go. Integrate and keep small chick safe.

If my integration does not work and if I happen to end up with some dead chicks I will call it a failed experiment and a learning experience. I am incubating so I am going to have more chicks so it will not be the end of the world for me. Your situation may be much different.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Hi, our 3 eggs are due to hatch next week under a trio of broodies in our current coops nest box. One egg got snuck in after the 2 on the 15th but there are veins so left it. We will move a hen with the eggs tomorrow or Tuesday into their first rabbit hutch coop in the existing run with food and water, which will be put on the run floor. How long before they need a run to come out as will build a run within the run or just let them intergrated with our others as 2 want to be mom's too. Medicated chick crumb or just standard chick crumb. Or will garvo alpha be ok for chicks as says chicks on the packaging. Sorry for long post. MandyView attachment 2645513

I know it's not your question but I wouldn't move your broody until the eggs have hatched. They don't like being moved and she might abandon them if you do. If you're worried about babies falling out, put up some kind of barrier so that they won't. As soon as they're out of the shell though she won't leave them even if you move them.

 

[TOR]

Hi, our 3 eggs are due to hatch next week under a trio of broodies in our current coops nest box. One egg got snuck in after the 2 on the 15th but there are veins so left it. We will move a hen with the eggs tomorrow or Tuesday into their first rabbit hutch coop in the existing run with food and water, which will be put on the run floor. How long before they need a run to come out as will build a run within the run or just let them intergrated with our others as 2 want to be mom's too. Medicated chick crumb or just standard chick crumb. Or will garvo alpha be ok for chicks as says chicks on the packaging. Sorry for long post. MandyView attachment 2645513

Nice coop also

 

[mandycapel]

Medicated feed is controversial. I used to use it for the first week or 2. Then I stopped and now use non med chick feed.
I have broody's right now and I am going to let them migrate right into with the flock and try it.
As far as feed goes I will mix chick starter with all flock feed. That is another reason I am not going to use medicated feed because I am going to mix the feed.
Back in the 80s I had chickens and had broodys , but I worked so much it was hard to keep up with. The Broodys would sit and after awhile I had a hen outside with her little ones and all was good, hopefully it works this time
I also free range so I would expect the hen will have the chicks outside within a very short few days.
Other people build a run in a run. I am going to experiment and see how this goes with the broody's. If I see a problem then I will seperate.

I know it's not your question but I wouldn't move your broody until the eggs have hatched. They don't like being moved and she might abandon them if you do. If you're worried about babies falling out, put up some kind of barrier so that they won't. As soon as they're out of the shell though she won't leave them even if you move them.

Thank you, will do. How does the broody get out to eat. Do we move on day of hatching or wait a couple of days?

 

[mandycapel]

If what I read is correct you have a open run of some kind? If you have birds of prey and are worried then build a small area for them ( the chicks). Also at the same if they are separate from the flock they can get to know each other before integrating and give your chicks time grow.

From reading here on the forums many people use a run inside a run for integration.
This may be the way you want to go. Integrate and keep small chick safe.

If my integration does not work and if I happen to end up with some dead chicks I will call it a failed experiment and a learning experience. I am incubating so I am going to have more chicks so it will not be the end of the world for me. Your situation may be much different.

Thank you, it will be a run in a run, so they get to see each other. It is risky and can end tragically but crossing fingers. We only have 3

 

[mandycapel]

Thank you, will do. How does the broody get out to eat. Do we move on day of hatching or wait a couple of days?

All advice is greatly appreciated

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Thank you, will do. How does the broody get out to eat. Do we move on day of hatching or wait a couple of days?

I would wait until hatch day to put in the barrier so she can still get in and out to eat and drink. You can move them as soon as all the eggs have hatched, but it's always best to do these things in the dark if you can to minimize stress for the birds.