Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[twochix]

How old until the chicks can use a ramp from the nesting box to the ground floor?

 

[Puddin Fluff]

How old until the chicks can use a ramp from the nesting box to the ground floor?

If you are talking about the chicks that have recently hatched and mama wanting to get them to the ground, most likely they will simply tumble out. I recommend you place a nice cushion of bedding or something below the nest box to break their fall. Some might ramp it down, but most will probably tumble.

Mine usually takes them to ground 24-48 hours after the last egg hatches.

 

[ObeyTheYeri]

Well, broody is off the last egg now, and another died!

 

[h2oratt]

Well, broody is off the last egg now, and another died!

I am so sorry for your losses.

 

[sjturner79]

How old until the chicks can use a ramp from the nesting box to the ground floor?

I have not seen a chick use a ramp to leave a nest box. They jump and tumble. Usually late Morning once they are a day old, or after the last one hatches. They won't go up a ramp till about 6 days old.

 

[ObeyTheYeri]

I am so sorry for your losses.

Thank you.

 

[ObeyTheYeri]

Horrible hatch. Out of 12 only two hatched. Maybe next time.

 

[sjturner79]

Horrible hatch. Out of 12 only two hatched. Maybe next time.

Sorry to hear about your low hatch.

 

[ObeyTheYeri]

Sorry to hear about your low hatch.

Thank you. It was her first time. Five hatched and three died. Still holding chance for that last egg but not high hopes.

 

[Velvet Hairpiece]

I set my broody Welsummer two nights ago with 10 shipped eggs. I've never attempted to hatch eggs before so we will see how it goes. I have her separated in a pen by herself (an old rabbit hutch).

5 of the 10 eggs were light enough to see through them and 4 of those had attached air sacs so that seems promising.

2 of the 10 had tiny hairline cracks. I put candle wax on them for support.

We will see how this goes, but I'm certainly not counting before they hatch!