New Mama Hen Won't Eat

[peepinglaura]

Our hen sat on a failed clutch, so we gave her 4 adoptive newborn chicks that she took in instantly and is mothering extremely well- maybe too well. While she spends all her time watching over them, she isn't eating much, if anything. If we hand feed her, she takes a peck to see that it's food, then cals her chicks over to eat the rest. I'm really worried about her lack of food consumption.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Laura

 

[scooter147]

Don't worry perfectly normal. Many broody hens with chicks don't eat much at all the first week, they let their chicks have most of it.
If you hens are like mine they have a "little extra fat" anyway. She is living off her fat reserves.

I have never known an animal to starve itself to death if food is available and their is no medical reason for no food intake.

She will be fine.

 

[peepinglaura]

Thank you! I would think, from a survival point of view, that you must be right. Still, it's unnerving! Thanks for assurance. I feel much better.

Laura