Not sure Mama is doing a good job.....

[nuttyredhead]

I gave my broody 4 day olds Tuesday night, she took them well. But she doesnt seem motherly...if they are out from under her and peeping (that loud, im cold and want my mama peep) she doesnt do anything, doesnt shuffle them under her like my other broody did. I keep watching them and they eventually burrow under her. She doesnt get up much either just sits there. If she does get up it is to move closer to the food (so she can eat while sitting!). I have seen the babies eat and drink but Im not sure if leaving them with her is a good idea. I have seen her peck at them a few times too, usually when eating.

Im wondering if putting them in the garage with a heat lamp would be better. I hate to take them away but I dont want them hurt either.....

What do you think?

 

[b.hromada]

In my opinion, I'd put them in a brooder, under the heat lamp, just to be on the safe side.

Best of luck.

 

[NonnasBabies]

b.hromada :

In my opinion, I'd put them in a brooder, under the heat lamp, just to be on the safe side.

Best of luck.

I agree with this opinion. My broody just hatched out 8 Sunday and she is right there with them every step! I've only had 2 broodies hatch out clutches but I honestly have never seen them peck at any of their chicks!! Better be safe than sorry!! Good luck with whatever you choose to do!!​

 

[nuttyredhead]

Quote:
I agree with this opinion. My broody just hatched out 8 Sunday and she is right there with them every step! I've only had 2 broodies hatch out clutches but I honestly have never seen them peck at any of their chicks!! Better be safe than sorry!! Good luck with whatever you choose to do!!

It seems like she thinks she is still sitting on eggs. Maybe its because she didn't hatch them, her eggs were duds so I gave her the babies, I did it at night so it was dark. My other broody hatched hers.

I will have to pull the big tub out of the garage and set it up tomorrow!

Thanks for your responses!

 

[donrae]

How long had she been sitting on the fake eggs? It does sound like she's still kinda broody.

 

[nuttyredhead]

Quote:
Tooo Long lol! She sat on a batch for 2 weeks (candled no good), then a second batch for 3 weeks...so a total of 5 weeks. I almost think maybe she is too young to be a good mom. She is 8-9 months old. It was just so different with my other broody, she was up and moving when they were 3 days old, teaching them to peck at food/water. and frantic if I tried to pick one up. You could tell to listen to her than she was "talking" to them. This one doesn't do that, and she could care less if i pick them up! She literally sits as close to the water and food as she can so she doesnt need to get up...I think i will worry alot less if they are in the garage with a heat lamp.

 

[kano]

If she is pecking the chicks, bad thing. Every broody is diferent, with diferences when they raise their chicks. Some are more calm, some call the little chicks less than others, some try to sleep on a high place leaving the chicks on the floor, etc, but peck the chicks.....

 

[nuttyredhead]

UPDATE!

I have been watching her like a hawk the past few days, she is doing quite well. She hasn't done the pecking thing again, i has noticed she will move them, with her beak/head if she wants them to go somewhere else. Im wondering if that is what she was trying to do... I am still watching her closely, but they have all been taught to eat and drink. She is keeping them warm and when i take her out of the brooder ( i did this to clean the poop, only took a minute) she was panicing, frantic and flew back into the brooder! I dont think the brooder is big enough, going to have to try to figuere something else out.

 

[BWKatz]

Sounds like she is making progress. I'd leave them with her.