One day-old chicks

[LestersFlat]

Well the good news is that I got the chick starter and some pine chips.

The bad news is that the barred hen had all the chicks in the corner while she was eating their food and drinking their water. Every time they tried to come out of the corner, she pecked them back in again. So I took her and her single egg out and put her back in the nest box.

I have to leave for work and can't check on them again until later tonight. I think I will try to put one of the others in there with the chicks tonight, or maybe just put her back in and give it another try. I think she did sit on them all night to keep them warm, but it is hot (85°) and humid here so I don't think it is a big deal even if she doesn't sit on them.

I took about 20 pics of the chicks and all they would give me was a butt shot. This blurry one is the best of the bunch.

 

[CannedMonster]

She’s not accepting them. They need to go into a brooder.

 

[LestersFlat]

Should I try one of the other hens in there tonight?

I think they will be fine in the crate in the coop overnight at least. And if the other hen doesn't work out, I may just leave them in there by themselves until they get bigger. Our regular brooder box is in the garage far from the coop and I have had trouble in the past introducing them to the others when the others don't even know they exist. At least this way they can coexist.

 

[ronott1]

Put them into a brooder if the Hen does not accept them.

That part of broody does not always kick in.

 

[LestersFlat]

Happy dance!!!

Left the chicks alone during the day yesterday, and was able to grab the Black Australorp, one of the doubled-up hens, and put her in with the chicks, and 5 of the 10 eggs that the 2 were sitting on.

Early this morning all was good. And then just now (10:30 am) momma looked very pleased to be sitting with "her" chicks. I think this is going to work!

As a side note: Our Buff Orps have always been good broody hens. I should have known that the Australorp would be too...

 

[ronott1]

View attachment 1479470 Happy dance!!!

Left the chicks alone during the day yesterday, and was able to grab the Black Australorp, one of the doubled-up hens, and put her in with the chicks, and 5 of the 10 eggs that the 2 were sitting on.

Early this morning all was good. And then just now (10:30 am) momma looked very pleased to be sitting with "her" chicks. I think this is going to work!

As a side note: Our Buff Orps have always been good broody hens. I should have known that the Australorp would be too...

 

[LestersFlat]

Even more good news: I went out later in the afternoon, and there were 5 chicks in there! So she hatched one of the 5 eggs I moved under her when I put her in with the babies. I really had no hope of any of them hatching, but there it was, #5! So now I will just have to keep checking every day for more.

I am thinking you have all helped with all my questions, so I can sign off from this post. Thank you, Chicken People!

But I may do some follow up photos if I can get some that are less blurry... Trust me, there are 5 chickies in there!

 

[CannedMonster]

View attachment 1480152 Even more good news: I went out later in the afternoon, and there were 5 chicks in there! So she hatched one of the 5 eggs I moved under her when I put her in with the babies. I really had no hope of any of them hatching, but there it was, #5! So now I will just have to keep checking every day for more.

I am thinking you have all helped with all my questions, so I can sign off from this post. Thank you, Chicken People!

But I may do some follow up photos if I can get some that are less blurry... Trust me, there are 5 chickies in there!

Yes I’d love to see more photos.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

YAY YAY YAY!

 

[LestersFlat]

Still need better pics, but the position of the crate and the lack of sunny weather are not a good combo...