Prepping for chicks due tomorrow

[kesrchicky16]

So I have a buff Orpington setting 6 eggs. Not sure any originated in her. Anyway they are due tomorrow and I was just thinking "Are they going to be small enough to accidently excape?"

She is in a chain link run. 2 sides are shared with the main chicken run so the babies will be visible to the whole flock from day 1. My chickens will put their heads through the fence to eat when they forget how to walk around and get in. I believe she will protect them from invading heads but will the babies be small enough to walk through the fence on accident?

What other prep do I need to to to allow her to do her thing? I have chick starter to feed them and she has an open water dish. Will they be in danger of drowning? I will take pics when I go out to check on her.

I haven't done anything except separate her. Never candled the eggs and don't know how. How long should I leave the eggs that don't hatch? They were all laid within 24 hours.

I dont know anything about chicks so if I'm missing some vital info let me know. I originally bought pullets nearly ready to lay. Any and all info and opinions are welcome.

 

[Ming Ming]

if you can fit an egg through the fence, then yes they can get through.

 

[Ming Ming]

and you need to put the mum with her babies in a brooder box, or skip the whole thing and just raise the chicks yourself with a heat lamp in a box. A confined warm area. And let the mum out every 5 hours for 10 minutes with the others. You need chick feed (medicated) and constant water. Give the mum corn and seeds mixed with layer pellets.

 

[kesrchicky16]

Well um I hear chirping...and she is pissed!

Anyway here is her living quarters.

 

[kesrchicky16]

Changed out for a chick feeder and watered I forgot I had. Forgot to get new pics because mama was needing a break from my presence.

1/2 Easter Egger, 1/4 silver laced Wyandotte, 1/4 ?

 

[kesrchicky16]

Chick friendly accommodations for food and water.

 

[kesrchicky16]

It's so fluffy. And biological mom.

Only 1 hatched so far and it was from my green/blue egg

 

[chickens really]

Move your feed and water and put right at the door of the crate...The Chicks will stay close to momma....
Congrats on the Chicks....

 

[kesrchicky16]

Today was due day and we have 1 more fully! 4 eggs left for her to sit. Yesterday's hatchling keeps running around and can't or won't run back up the ramp I made to mama. I have dipped its beak in the water so maybe it will figure things out.

 

[kesrchicky16]

I suppose I should list possible egg donors. White Plymouth rock, barred rock, speckled Sussex, RIR (BUT today's egg was the darkest one), silver laced Wyandotte, buff Orpington, and a polish.

Daddy's are both 1/2 silver laced Wyandotte and 1/2 ?