Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Johnn]

Saw a question about feed. My chicks hatched Tuesday, I just ground up some organic layer, I know they have to be switched but hadn't gotten any yet. how crazy important to get them starter Now?

You defintley shouldn't be feeding them layers at this age, it damages them. Until you get some chick starter you can give them chopped up boiled eggs or scrambled eggs.

 

[kannna]

I agree with Johnn. There is too much calcium in layer for chicks. It's not good for them at all. If you have any other food that is not layer, give them that. Grower is fine. Just stop with the Layer. Not good.

 

[Johnn]

Soo nervous to go out to the girls tomorrow because I doubt I am going to find anything but un-hatched eggs.

 

[velma]

My hen and chicks are in a box with sides. I am concerned the chicks won't be able to get back in the box if they get out. Should I move them? There are still a few eggs to hatch. Am on day 22 but I feel some eggs were laid a couple of days apart. A shared nest. Will they manage or should I move them. Two chicks are going on 48 hours old.

 

[Johnn]

My hen and chicks are in a box with sides. I am concerned the chicks won't be able to get back in the box if they get out. Should I move them? There are still a few eggs to hatch. Am on day 22 but I feel some eggs were laid a couple of days apart. A shared nest. Will they manage or should I move them. Two chicks are going on 48 hours old.

She will most likely leave the nest tomorrow I think. Does the front of the box have anything on it? If not you could put something up to stop the chicks getting out and if it does maybes you could take it off to give them easy access in and out of the box.

 

[velma]

It is a wooded box--all four sides. I want to make sure they can get to water and food and then back to momma for warmth.

 

[Johnn]

It is a wooded box--all four sides. I want to make sure they can get to water and food and then back to momma for warmth.

Why not take one of the sides off??

 

[velma]

Yes I will for the future. Just don't want move hen eggs and chicks if not necessary. This is my first time with a hen hatching chicks.

 

[Phoenix Farms]

Ten chicks have been moved under my phoenix. 5 of her own chicks hatched, one D'uccle didn't hatch but it may. I moved 5 from the incubator and put them under hen. I moved the other D'uccle egg under the Cochin bantam. When her eggs hatch on Sunday or Saturday I will move the chicks from the incubator that hatch this weekend out with the bantam Cochin.

 

[Bush Chickens]

Well, when I tried to get her up to poop&eat etc . She went from broody to homicidal. she tried to take out my Dad weeeelllll,stormy you can stay there as loooonnnggg as you want