One hatched, what now?

[daniel-delarosa]

My hen has been sitting on some eggs for a while now. I gave up on them a week or so ago. Well, today there is a little chick in the nest! I have my two broodies in a hanging wire cage in the barn. My question is, what does the little chick eat? Also, what do I do with them after they all hatch and the hen stops being broody? Do I put her back with the flock and put a light on the chicks or put them all with the flock? Im afraid that the other chickens will hurt the chicks.

 

[americanvalkyrie]

If possible, I'd find a totally separate area for her and any babies. Something that's safe for chicks. And give them a food that they both can eat, since mama will be showing the baby how to eat. A feed that's made for an entire flock (like Purina Flock Raiser) would work.

I've had chicks in a brooder, and just this Wednesday we had a chick hatch out under the mama. The mama hen is much easier and much more magical than a brooder. Just make sure they're in a safe place, and mama will do the rest. I just have a small enclosed coop for the mom and baby.