Question about broody hens

[eminator]

I have never used broody hens before. I have 2 silkies that have been broody for a long time, so rather than wasting it, I tossed some eggs under them. For whatever reason, they both have crammed themselves into the same box. Now two chicks have hatched, and it seems like there is a difference of opinion as to who takes care of them. These chicks will be part of a separate flock. The food and water isn't really accessible to chicks. Should I just move them into a brooder box, or is it better for them to be raised by the Silkies (and therefore revamp the setup)?

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[lauralou]

Hmmm.

Are the mother hens still waiting for other eggs to hatch? How long have these two chicks been out of the shell?

Here's how a normal hatch works. Chicks start hatching. The hatching continues for a day or two. If all of the eggs weren't placed under the hen at the same time, it could go longer. (Which is bad, in my opinion.) The mother hen sits tight on the nest until all of the eggs have hatched. Generally, the chicks that hatch first will be fine for a couple of days without food or water.

Your situation may be different because you have 2 hens on the nest. I don't know. I've never let two hens share a nest before. One time I let 2 hens start sitting on the same nest, but I ended up separating them. Because they kept stealing eggs back and forth and bickering all the time.

Also, it sounds like the hens may be inexperienced. That could make a difference. So I'm just not sure what to tell you.

I have set up a temporary brooder before, and put early hatching chicks in it. Heat lamp, food, water. I taught them to eat and drink, and let them run around for a while. Then when the hatch was complete, I gave them back to the hen. My hens are always willing to accept the chicks back. I've read that some hens won't. So I'd suggest that you sorta hide the chicks under the hen's wings, then step back and watch to make sure that all goes well. If you decide to go that route.

Another option (and maybe a better one) is to remove one of the hens from the nest and give the two chicks to her, leaving the unhatched eggs to the other hen. Maybe set up a separate area for the hen and chicks. Like a dog crate with food and water in it. Once the hen figures out that there aren't any more eggs under her, she will start to care for the chicks.

And it really is much, much easier to let a broody hen raise chicks for you. So if you can work it out so that happens, you will be happy with the result. I wouldn't dream of brooding chicks in the house again. But I'm lucky to have several experienced broody hens.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[eminator]

I have 3 chicks now, I think I will separate one hen with the chicks as you suggested, lauralou. Seems like the best way. The hens are fighting about who gets the chicks.

Thanks for the advice!