question about broody mom and her babies

[kipepeo]

ok we have 4 babies the other 2 eggs that were late (someone snuck them in) were cold so I opened them they were dead but would have hatched. She is showing them what to eat but is scratching liking crazy I had a little bowl in there while she was broody and quart water bottle she keep filling it up with dirt and bedding from all her scratching around. I initially just put some of the layeana in and will change it to medicated start and grow, but should I try to put it in a feeder or while she just scratch it out? I tried to set the water up a little bit but wanted the babies to be able to reach it. I also put a little scratch in for her and she called the babies over. I bought some chick grit where i put It don't know should i put it in with the food. They are on a dirt floor with pine bedding. They are so cute I will post some pics and video later.

 

[peggym]

I've had that problem with my blue cochin last year. By the time her chicks hatched she was really itching. What she really needs is a good dust bath. I think maybe they pick up some mites or lice etc. when they sit for so long. Do you have anything she can dust in? That may help her and keep her from accidentally kicking her chicks!

 

[txchickie]

Quote:
This is exactly what I was going to say. It seems every broody I've had here has picked up mites while they were sitting. I've had good luck with picking them up at night and turning them upside down and dusting them with DE, and putting DE on my (gloved!) hands and rubbing it under their wings, etc.....I also change out their bedding and add fresh bedding with DE after they start to sit for a week or so.

I've got 3 broodies right now and will be doing this to all of them. It seems to really help!

 

[kipepeo]

I was bambling and did not explain myself she is not itching her self but really scratching the ground aggressivly for food and kicking the food everywere

 

[txchickie]

Quote:
She's just teaching her babies

It may look a little crazy, but it's okay!

 

[kipepeo]

here they are