problems/questions with hatching chicks

[djjohnnyb]

We have an Americana/Bhrama mixed hen sitting on eggs. This is her and our first time hatching chicks. The first chick hatched sometime late yesterday or really early today. This morning when I went out to check on the birds it was dead. Any ideas on what went wrong with that chick? The hen is sitting on 7 more eggs(unsure on how many are developed) that should hatch within the next week. Do we need to bring the little ones inside and put them under a heat lamp after they hatch or leave them with her? Some of the others chicks have started to try and get out. Do we need to help them?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

How are your chicks doing?


I usually leave the chicks with mom, in an area in sight - but away from the flock; unless mom is a bad mom - then I take the chicks. Not sure why the first one died

sometime we never know.

 

[Kittymomma]

Did you keep adding eggs after she started sitting? That's not a good idea because the hen will either stay on the eggs and not take care of the hatched chick(s) or get off of the eggs to care for the hatched one(s) leaving the eggs to get cold and die. If that is what is going on you will need to either take the eggs after she's hatched a chick or two and put them in a bator or remove the chicks as they hatch so hopefully she stays on the nest and hatches out the others.