newbie questions.

[paddyg84]

I've had hens for over a year now and have just given my broody Silkie some hatching eggs to sit on. She is in a seperate run from the rest while she looks after eggs and then chicks. How long after they hatch do I keep her with them or will I just leave her with them until they are mature enough to leave the enclosure? Also if I am giving the chicks the correct diet of chick crumbs then growers pellets,how do I give mother hen the proper layer pellets she needs. Or will she be able to cope with the chick food for a while?

 

[gander007]

Well she will start to try to leave them about week 8 to 10 ....

There is nothing wrong with chick starter feed but after your
bag of feed is gone you need to give them Turkey grow as it
has 20% or better protein for growing and no later then week 4 ...

 

[paddyg84]

Ah right I thought growers pellets after week 8. Ok then thanks for the info very helpful.

 

[debid]

Brooding hens don't lay so she doesn't need much calcium until she completes her brooding and resumes laying. Purina Flock Raiser has 20% protein. That's what I use for mixed ages (with oyster shell on the side for the layers). Any good grower feed will work.